Cyberattack on Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad: Details and Government Response
Cyberattack on Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad Sparks National Concerns
In a shocking revelation, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) fell victim to a significant cyberattack in late March 2025, leading to major disruptions in its digital systems. The attack, which occurred just days ago, involved hackers demanding a ransom of US$10 million, as confirmed by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during his address at the 218th Police Day celebration in Kuala Lumpur.
Prime Minister Anwar emphasized the government’s firm stance against yielding to criminal demands. "There is no way this country will be safe if its leadership allows us to submit to the ultimatum of criminals," he stated, underscoring the importance of national security and resilience against cyber threats. He also announced plans to enhance Malaysia’s cybersecurity infrastructure, pledging additional resources to fortify defenses against future attacks.
The cyberattack has raised alarms among the public and officials alike. Former Wangsa Maju MP, Wee Choo Keong, took to social media to express concerns over disruptions at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and KLIA2. Reports indicated that flight information displays were affected, with staff resorting to manually updating arrival and departure details on whiteboards during the incident, which lasted approximately 10 hours.
While MAHB and the Ministry of Transport have yet to issue an official statement regarding the attack, social media users have shared similar accounts of chaos at check-in counters and baggage handling systems. This incident highlights the growing vulnerability of Malaysia’s digital infrastructure and the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures.
As the nation grapples with this alarming breach, the MAHB cyberattack serves as a stark reminder of the escalating threats facing critical infrastructure worldwide, prompting calls for immediate action to safeguard Malaysia’s digital future.
