KUALA LUMPUR: IN an era where smartphones, laptops, and constant connectivity have become integral to daily life, Internet safety is no longer just a technical issue — it has become a national concern, affecting families, livelihoods, and social trust.
As Malaysia gears up to observe Safer Internet Day (SID) 2026 on Feb 8, experts are calling for collective awareness and responsibility to navigate the evolving digital landscape — a push that is now reinforced by the enforcement of the Online Safety Act 2025 (Onsa).
RAPIDLY EVOLVING DIGITAL LANDSCAPE
Malaysia has witnessed rapid digitalisation in recent years, with nearly every household connected to the Internet and digital services increasingly underpinning commerce, education, and social interaction.
Globally, the trend is similar: the digital sphere is growing exponentially, creating unprecedented opportunities and risks.
While technology has improved convenience and productivity, it has also exposed users to an array of online hazards.
Rising incidents of cyber scams, phishing attacks, identity theft, unsafe content, and social media-related risks underscore the urgent need to prioritise Internet safety at every level 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,” said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
REAL-WORLD CHALLENGES
Children and adolescents are among the most vulnerable online, with exposure to unsafe content, online predators, and cyberbullying posing serious threats.
Ensuring child online protection requires vigilance from parents, educators, and caregivers, coupled with digital literacy that equips young users to navigate the Internet responsibly.
At the same time, adults are not immune to digital risks.Online scams targeting bank accounts, e-commerce transactions, or even personal data can have devastating financial and emotional consequences.
The proliferation of misinformation and disinformation online further complicates the issue, influencing public perception and social cohesion.
Digital well-being is another emerging concern.
Excessive screen time, online harassment, and unhealthy social media habits can impact mental health, relationships, and productivity.
Experts emphasise that Internet safety is deeply intertwined with overall quality of life, making it a shared responsibility rather than an individual challenge.
SHARED RESPONSIBILITY FOR A SAFER INTERNET
Creating a safe digital environment requires collective action from all sectors of society.
Government agencies, tech companies, schools, parents, community organisations, and individual users all have a role to play.
Awareness campaigns, educational programmes, and practical guidance on safe online practices are crucial tools to mitigate risks.
This shared responsibility is now supported by stronger regulation under Onsa, which establishes clearer obligations for online service providers to safeguard the public — especially children, families, and vulnerable groups — from harmful online content.
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Under the Act, service providers licensed under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, including application, content, and network service providers, are required to take proactive and proportionate safety measures. The law applies to platforms, not individual users.
For Internet users, Onsa brings clearer safety information and guidelines, easier reporting of harmful content, more responsive assistance, and improved tools and settings to control who can search for, contact, or interact with them.
Platforms likely to be used by children are expected to roll out stronger protections in phases, including safer default settings, enhanced privacy safeguards, and greater 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.”
PRACTICAL AWARENESS IN ACTION
Experts stress that while SID 2026 provides a timely focus, cultivating a safe digital society is an ongoing effort.
Practical awareness, digital literacy, and responsible online behaviour cannot be confined to a single day; they require sustained commitment from individuals, families, communities, and institutions alike.
As part of this effort, 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 obligation is the swift blocking of priority harmful content, such as child sexual abuse material and financial scam-related content, which pose severe risks to users.
Licensed providers must also prepare and publish an Online Safety Plan documenting their safety measures, while network service providers are required to cooperate with investigations by providing technical assistance, relevant information, and access for compliance inspections.
SID 2026 will also serve as a platform to launch the Safe Internet Campaign 2.0, building on last year’s efforts to strengthen community-level engagement.
The campaign aims to involve neighbourhood watch groups, residents’ associations, committee members, places of worship, and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) to ensure that Internet safety awareness reaches all segments of society.SID 2026, organised by MCMC, will take place at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa and is expected to attract around 10,000 visitors.
The programme will feature exhibitions, interactive games, talks, busker performances, and a mini concert, all designed to engage the public on Internet safety issues while promoting healthy lifestyles.
Highlights include pocket talk sessions on child online safety and Onsa, interactive games that teach responsible sharing and scam prevention, and exhibitions showcasing practical tips for safe digital use.
As Malaysia continues its rapid journey toward digitalisation, the message of SID 2026 is clear: Internet safety is not a luxury or an afterthought; it is a national priority.
With the support of government, industry, educators, parents, and the community at large, the country can build a digital society that is secure, informed, and resilient against the growing array of online challenges.
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