MALAYSIA has emerged as the only ASEAN country to achieve Tier 1 status for post-quantum cryptography (PQC) migration readiness, reflecting its preparedness to address future cybersecurity and technological challenges.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the recognition was based on the ASEAN Post-Quantum Cryptography Readiness 2026 report, as the government intensified efforts to strengthen domestic technological capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign technology.
Among the initiatives undertaken were the establishment of Pusat Pembangunan Keselamatan Siber dan Kriptologi Berhad and the implementation of the National Cryptography Policy (MyKriptografi).
"These initiatives focus on developing expertise, research and innovation, as well as producing trusted local cybersecurity and cryptographic technology solutions to meet the country's strategic security requirements," he said in a written parliamentary reply published on the Parliament website.
He was responding to a question from Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang (PN-Marang) on the country's technological sovereignty in strategic security systems and the government's targets for reducing reliance on foreign technology, software, systems and expertise.
Zahid said the development of a Sovereign AI Cloud was also among the government's efforts to strengthen data sovereignty and the security of strategic technologies, ensuring critical national data was protected in accordance with domestic security requirements and laws.
"The government adheres to a technology-agnostic principle, which allows strategic cooperation with various technology providers while prioritising the development of local capabilities and reducing the risks of dependence on any foreign technology provider.
"These efforts will be implemented in stages to enhance the country's ability to independently assess, control, manage and protect strategic security systems," he said.
Meanwhile, he said the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA) had developed the Malaysia Cyber Security Strategy (MCSS) 2025-2030 as a roadmap to strengthen the country's cybersecurity and resilience, including through the development of local expertise.
Zahid added that the implementation of the Cyber Security Act 2024 had also established a legal framework to strengthen cybersecurity governance and protect the country's National Critical Information Infrastructure (NCII). - November 13, 2026
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