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Malaysia to launch dedicated cyber force in November

October 10,2025

By:FADHILAH AHMAD

THE government will officially launch a dedicated cyber force next month as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen the nation’s defence against modern warfare threats.

The Defence Ministry is finalising the establishment of the Cyber and Electromagnetic Command Headquarters (MPSE), which will serve as the core of Malaysia’s cyber operations.

Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin (picture) said the MPSE’s capabilities will be built in phases under the 13th Malaysia Plan.

“The goal is for MPSE to become a fully capable formation by 2030,” Khaled said in a written parliamentary reply.

He said the cyber force is part of a broader armed forces strategy to strengthen resilience in the cyber and electromagnetic domains.

The initiative aims to counter growing threats such as ransomware, cyberattacks on critical infrastructure and other hybrid warfare tactics targeting national security.

Armed Forces chief General Mohd Nizam Jaafar said earlier this year that MPSE would be established as a strategic initiative to enhance operational readiness.

He outlined four key focus areas to support the formation’s development, namely command and control, organisational management, sustainable logistical support and systematic training.

The move comes amid growing regional focus on cybersecurity and digital defence capabilities, with several ASEAN nations accelerating their investment in cyber infrastructure and defence technology.