Malaysia to leverage AI to combat complex crime and cyber threats

Malaysia is emphasizing the necessity of integrating artificial intelligence into its national defense to combat increasingly complex crimes, including human trafficking, organized crime, radicalism, and cyber-enabled crime (CEC). Speaking at the 15th UN Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice in Abu Dhabi, Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated that as crime becomes increasingly driven by AI, national defense must also be empowered by the technology.

Saifuddin noted that while AI can assist in decision-making, it cannot replace human judgment. He emphasized that the rule of law, institutional capability, and public accountability remain the foundations of enforcement. The Ministry of Home Affairs is currently aligning with the National AI Roadmap 2026–2030 to ensure the responsible and inclusive use of AI across government and industrial sectors.

Furthermore, the Minister highlighted that cybercrime is a borderless threat that cannot be managed by a single nation alone. He reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to international cooperation, including the UN Convention against Cybercrime, and expressed support for the Abu Dhabi Declaration to strengthen crime prevention efforts.