Govt to develop AI app to help Malaysians spot scams

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that the home and defence ministries will each receive an allocation of RM22 billion under the 2027 budget. KUALA LUMPUR: The National Scam Response Centre will develop an artificial intelligence-powered application that allows the public to check suspicious phone numbers, bank accounts and links before carrying out transactions.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the initiative is part of efforts to detect scammers and cybercriminals at an earlier stage.

Anwar said Bukit Aman’s sexual, women and children investigation division, or D11, will enhance the Malaysia Internet Crime Against Children system with advanced analytical capabilities to detect perpetrators and child sexual exploitation networks at an earlier stage.

“The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission will also intensify the implementation of the Safer Internet Campaign in all schools, focusing on addressing cyberbullying and child exploitation,” he said when tabling the 2027 budget.

Separately, Anwar said the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency will receive an allocation of RM490 million.

“A total of 48 new body and baggage scanners will be installed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Penang International Airport and Kota Kinabalu International Airport,” he said.

Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said the home ministry and defence ministry will each receive an allocation of RM22 billion under the 2027 budget.

“A total of RM7.1 billion has been set aside to purchase and maintain assets for the armed forces, police and uniformed agencies under the home ministry,” he said.