Cybersecurity a shared responsibility across all agencies, says S’wak SS

KUCHING (Dec 4): Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility that extends beyond technical teams and must be upheld by all government agencies through coordinated governance, compliance and prompt action, said State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.

In a Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) report, Abu Bakar said every organisation is responsible for conducting risk assessments, ensuring security controls are followed, and responding swiftly to incidents in accordance with relevant laws.

“Most importantly, all heads of organisations need to demonstrate discipline and a sense of ownership in ensuring that our systems remain secure,” he said in a speech delivered by Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Economic Planning and Development) Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Abdullah Zaidel.

Abu Bakar noted that agencies such as the Sarawak Civil Service Digitalisation Unit (SCSDU), Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), Sains, and the Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC) continue to play a crucial role in strengthening the state’s digital ecosystem.

However, he stressed that Sarawak’s cybersecurity cannot be assured if these efforts are not supported across all government departments and agencies.

“The integrity of our systems depends on a whole-of-government approach in managing the digital environment, data and the operational discipline of each agency,” he said.

Abu Bakar added that cybersecurity has become a key component of Sarawak’s economic ambitions, particularly in attracting investors who prioritise operational reliability, service continuity, and data integrity.

“As such, cybersecurity is no longer merely an ICT concern but an economic priority aligned with the Sarawak 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP),” he said.

Abu Bakar also highlighted that the launch of Sarawak Pass on Oct 22 by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg demonstrated the state government’s commitment to providing a secure and verifiable digital identity.

The platform utilises public key infrastructure (PKI), robust authentication features and offers integrated access to government services.

Also present at the event were SCSDU director Datu Grace Huong Siew Hung, Sarawak Deputy Attorney General Datu John Wayne Chamberlin, SMA general manager Dato Dr Anderson Tiong, and various department heads.