Kota kinabalu: Awareness of cybersecurity must begin at home and in schools to ensure that parents and children do not fall victim to online crimes, including cyberbullying, scams, and hacking, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah and Sarawak) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, early exposure to the risks associated with Internet use is crucial, as cyber threats are becoming increasingly intertwined with daily life, particularly among the younger generation. Mustapha emphasized the importance of understanding these risks, highlighting the rising number of cyberbullying, scams, and hacking incidents. In Sabah alone, there were 321 scam complaints recorded last year, with an additional 152 complaints recorded up to the second quarter of this year. Hacking cases also saw 159 complaints last year and 30 more complaints up to the second quarter of this year.

Mustapha shared these insights while officiating the Kota Kinabalu District Safe Internet Campaign Community Carnival 2026 at Kampung Darau Laut. The event attracted over 500 visitors and was organized by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). It featured interactive Internet safety learning experiences through Virtual Reality (VR) technology, and a live podcast session themed 'Safe Internet, Shared Responsibility' with panellists from various backgrounds.

Efforts to curb cybercrime should be prioritized at the school level, Mustapha stressed, as changes in attitude and awareness among the younger generation need to be nurtured from an early age. The key message conveyed to students should be to understand the dangers of cybercrime and to refrain from becoming involved in such activities.

Mustapha also advised Internet users, especially in Sabah, to remain vigilant, verify the authenticity of information sources, and avoid disclosing confidential personal information online. He warned, 'Do not reveal any of our confidential personal information through the Internet or in cyberspace. Such information can be exploited by irresponsible parties, and we do not want the people of Sabah, in particular, to become victims.'

The programme also included various community activities, such as Internet safety exhibitions, a Bajau Samah singing competition, and an e-sports competition.