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INTERNET safety has moved beyond being a purely technical concern to becoming a national issue affecting families, livelihoods and social trust, as Malaysia accelerates its digital transformation.
With Safer Internet Day 2026 (SID 2026) set to be observed on 8 February, experts are calling for heightened public awareness and shared responsibility in navigating an increasingly complex online environment.
These efforts are now underpinned by the enforcement of the Online Safety Act 2025 (Onsa), which strengthens safeguards for Internet users nationwide.
Malaysia has experienced rapid digitalisation in recent years, with Internet connectivity becoming a fixture in almost every household and digital platforms playing a central role in commerce, education and social interaction.
This mirrors a global trend in which the digital sphere continues to expand rapidly, bringing both unprecedented opportunities and heightened risks.
While technological advancement has improved efficiency and convenience, it has also exposed users to growing threats, including cyber scams, phishing, identity theft, harmful online content and social media-related risks.
These challenges have underscored the need to prioritise Internet safety across all levels of society.
“Internet safety is no longer just about installing antivirus software or firewalls. It affects household finances, child protection, mental well-being, and the cohesion of society as a whole,” the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said.
Children and adolescents remain among the most vulnerable Internet users, with exposure to unsafe content, online predators and cyberbullying posing serious risks.
Protecting young users, experts say, requires close involvement from parents, educators and caregivers, supported by digital literacy that enables children to navigate the online world responsibly.
Adults are also increasingly at risk, particularly from online scams targeting bank accounts, e-commerce transactions and personal data, which can have severe financial and emotional consequences.
At the same time, the spread of misinformation and disinformation online continues to shape public opinion and strain social cohesion.
Digital well-being has emerged as another critical concern. Excessive screen time, online harassment and unhealthy social media habits can negatively affect mental health, personal relationships and productivity.
Experts emphasise that Internet safety is closely linked to overall quality of life, making it a collective responsibility rather than an individual challenge.
Authorities stress that creating a safer digital environment requires coordinated action across society, involving government agencies, technology companies, schools, parents, community organisations and individual users.
Awareness campaigns, educational initiatives and practical guidance on safe online behaviour are seen as essential tools in mitigating online risks.
This shared responsibility is now reinforced by Onsa, which places clearer obligations on online service providers to protect the public, particularly children, families and vulnerable groups, from harmful online content.
The law applies to platforms rather than individual users and covers service providers licensed under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, including application, content and network service providers.
Under the Act, platforms are required to adopt proactive and proportionate safety measures. For Internet users, Onsa introduces clearer safety information, easier reporting mechanisms for harmful content, more responsive assistance and improved tools to control who can search for, contact or interact with them.
Platforms likely to be used by children are expected to introduce stronger safeguards in stages, including safer default settings, enhanced privacy protection and expanded parental controls.
“SID2026 is an opportunity to remind the public that online safety is everyone’s responsibility.
“From simple steps like recognising scams, protecting personal data, and guiding children online, to larger initiatives like cybersecurity regulations and digital literacy programmes, it takes all of us to make a difference.”
Experts note that while Safer Internet Day provides an annual focal point, building a safe digital society requires continuous effort. Awareness, digital literacy and responsible online behaviour must be sustained by individuals, families, communities and institutions throughout the year.
In line with this approach, Onsa requires licensed social media and content platforms to reduce exposure to harmful material, publish safety guidelines, provide user safety tools, offer dedicated support and simplify reporting processes.
A key requirement is the rapid blocking of priority harmful content, including child sexual abuse material and scam-related content that pose serious risks to users.
Licensed providers must also prepare and publish an Online Safety Plan outlining their safety measures, while network service providers are obligated to cooperate with investigations by providing technical assistance, relevant information and access for compliance inspections.
SID 2026 will also serve as the launch platform for the Safe Internet Campaign 2.0, which builds on previous efforts to strengthen community-level engagement.
The campaign aims to involve neighbourhood watch groups, residents’ associations, community committees, places of worship and Parent-Teacher Associations to ensure Internet safety awareness reaches all segments of society.
Organised by MCMC, SID 2026 will be held at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa and is expected to draw around 10,000 visitors.
The event will feature exhibitions, interactive games, talks, live performances and a mini concert, designed to engage the public on Internet safety issues while promoting healthy lifestyles.
Highlights include short talk sessions on child online safety and Onsa, interactive activities focused on responsible online sharing and scam prevention, and exhibitions offering practical guidance on safe digital practices.
As Malaysia continues its rapid digital journey, the message of SID 2026 is clear: Internet safety is not an afterthought, but a national priority.
With sustained cooperation from government, industry, educators, parents and communities, the country aims to build a digital society that is secure, informed and resilient in the face of growing online challenges. - January 18, 2026
