By Phillip Das
Something is happening in our country that deserves a closer look. Over the past few days, Malaysians have been hearing about possible cyberattacks and the need to prepare for disruptions to our daily lives.
We are being reminded about food, drinking water, medicine and other household essentials. People are beginning to ask whether they should stock up on supplies and prepare their homes for an emergency.
The Prime Minister has also spoken about the matter in Parliament. He has warned that Malaysia could be a target of security threats, including cyberattacks, and that the government is monitoring the situation.
We should take national security seriously. There is no question about that. But I think there are some questions we should ask ourselves.
What exactly are we preparing for?
Cyberattacks are not new. They have been happening around the world for many years. Banks, government departments, businesses and even hospitals have experienced attacks on their computer systems.
Today, almost everything we do depends on technology. We use our phones to make payments, transfer money, communicate and carry out our daily activities. Our electricity, water, transport and other essential services also depend on systems that must be protected.
A serious cyberattack could cause disruption. It could affect banking transactions, government services, communications and even the supply of essential goods.
That is why the government must be prepared. Our security agencies must strengthen their systems, test their weaknesses and make sure that essential services can continue operating even when there is a disruption.
But preparing the country is one thing. Creating fear among the people is another.
When people begin hearing that they should keep food and water at home, some may start buying more than they need. Others may become worried that something serious is about to happen.
We have seen this before. During the Covid-19 pandemic, fear caused people to rush to supermarkets and buy more than they needed. Some shelves were emptied, while others struggled to find necessities.
We must not allow the same situation to happen again
The Deputy Prime Minister has said that Malaysia has sufficient food supply capacity for at least six months and that there is no need for emergency stockpiling. This is important information that should give the public some confidence.
So why are people becoming worried?
Perhaps the bigger issue is how information is being communicated to the public. When the Prime Minister speaks in Parliament about threats based on intelligence information that cannot be fully disclosed, people naturally want to know more.
If the information is serious enough to be raised at the highest level, the public will want to understand what it means for their daily lives. We cannot expect people to remain calm when they do not know what is happening.
At the same time, we should not jump to conclusions and assume that every warning is an attempt to divert attention from other matters facing the country. There is no evidence to establish that.
But it is fair to ask whether the timing, the way the information is presented and the amount of detail being shared are helping the public understand the situation or simply creating more uncertainty.
There is another matter we should not overlook
Malaysia is attracting major investments in data centres, technology and digital infrastructure. We are proud of becoming an important digital centre in the region. But with this growth comes greater responsibility.
Are our systems properly protected? Do we have enough trained people to deal with sophisticated attacks? Can our hospitals, banks, government departments and essential services continue operating if their computer systems are disrupted?
These are the questions that deserve answers
The responsibility cannot simply be placed on ordinary Malaysians to buy extra food, store water and prepare themselves for something they may not understand.
The government must show that it has a proper plan. It must explain what is being done to protect the country, how essential services will be maintained and where people can obtain reliable information.
We should also be careful about what we read and share on social media. False information can spread faster than any computer virus. A rumour can create panic even when there is no immediate danger.
Being prepared is sensible. Keeping a reasonable supply of food, drinking water, medicine and other necessities at home is always a good practice. It is useful during floods, power failures, water cuts or other unexpected emergencies.
But there is no reason for people to empty supermarket shelves or spend money they cannot afford because of fear.
There is also a bigger question that we should not be afraid to ask
At a time when Malaysians are dealing with the cost of living, economic pressures, public concerns and many other national issues, are we giving people the information they need to understand what is happening around them? National security is important. So is public confidence.
A country is not made stronger by frightening its people. It becomes stronger when its institutions are prepared, its leaders communicate openly, and its people have confidence in the steps being taken.
We should remain alert. We should be prepared. But we should also remain calm and continue asking questions.
The greatest threat may not always be the attack itself. Sometimes, it is the fear and uncertainty that follow when people are left wondering what is really happening.
The views expressed here are entirely those of the writer
WE