DOHA: Malaysia is formulating a national strategy to upgrade its critical information infrastructure with post-quantum cryptography as the country prepares to tackle emerging cybersecurity risks posed by advances in quantum computing.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had been tasked with working alongside the National Security Council (NSC), National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) and telecommunications operators to establish a joint research and development (R&D) testbed.
READ MORE: Cyberattacks now threaten daily services beyond data theft, NACSA warns.
He said the initiative would provide a platform for stakeholders to test security solutions collectively and facilitate a faster, safer and more coordinated shift towards quantum-resistant cryptographic technologies.
Speaking during Malaysia’s policy statement at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (PP-26) here today, Fahmi stressed the importance of international cooperation, common standards and equipment testing in ensuring the adoption of emerging quantum technologies.
“As quantum communications develop, governments and industry players must build trust and interoperability through common standards, equipment testing and a phased transition to quantum-resistant cryptography, without disrupting essential services,” he said.
Fahmi added that the proposed testbed would enable relevant agencies and industry players to assess potential solutions before implementing them more widely.
The initiative is part of Malaysia’s broader efforts to safeguard critical digital infrastructure against future threats, particularly the possibility that increasingly powerful quantum computers could undermine existing encryption systems.
Post-quantum cryptography involves the development and adoption of encryption methods designed to withstand attacks from quantum computers, ensuring sensitive information and digital communications remain protected.
Fahmi had previously said MCMC would hold discussions with the relevant security agencies and telecommunications companies to explore potential partnerships and accelerate the country’s transition to quantum-resistant technologies.
He is in Doha to lead the Malaysian delegation at ITU PP-26, which runs from Nov 6 to 11. He is accompanied by Communications Ministry Deputy Secretary-General (Telecommunications Infrastructure) Mano Verabathran.
The delegation also comprises representatives from MCMC and telecommunications operators, including Telekom Malaysia (TM), CelcomDigi, Maxis and U Mobile.
The ITU, a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for digital technologies, plays a key role in coordinating international telecommunications cooperation, managing radio spectrum resources and supporting efforts to bridge the global digital divide.
