TAWAU: Digital literacy must continue to be strengthened to help the public better understand the risks of uncontrolled internet use and protect themselves, their families and communities from cyber threats, said Youth, Sports and Creative Economy Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan.
He said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) received 3,875 consumer complaints from Sabah's east coast as of June 2026, with 1,232 involving online content, making it the second highest complaint category after internet network-related complaints.
Nizam said the figures highlighted the need to further strengthen digital literacy and public awareness so more users could protect themselves and their families from online threats, adding that the enforcement of the Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA) earlier this year was an important step towards enhancing internet safety, particularly for young people.
Speaking after launching the Tawau District Safe Internet Campaign Community Carnival 2026 at Kampung Batu Payung on Sunday, which attracted about 500 visitors, he urged parents to monitor smartphone and social media use among children aged 16 and below to reduce the risk of fraud, exploitation and other online dangers.
Nizam, who is also Apas Assemblyman, said the carnival was organised to raise public awareness of cyber threats, including fake news, cyberbullying, online scams and identity theft, while reminding the public not to share personal information indiscriminately, avoid offers that appear too good to be true and report suspicious online activities to the authorities.
