Armed Forces studying potential security threats from 5G technology

Gen Zulkifli Zainal Abidin says there are certain aspects which must be reviewed when it comes to new technology, including potential cyber attacks.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Armed Forces is currently probing potential security threats posed by the use of fifth-generation (5G) cellular mobile technology.

Armed Forces chief Gen Zulkifli Zainal Abidin said they would present their findings to the government, which is currently deciding whether or not to allow such infrastructure into the country.

Zulkifli said that all new technology from abroad should be scrutinised to determine if they were suitable for use in the country.

“We cannot just follow other countries in terms of adopting new technologies. Not all technologies are good.

“We will provide our views to the government on this matter in the near future,” he told reporters after officiating the launch of the Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) Alumni Association at Wisma Perwira ATM, Jalan Padang Tembak, here.

Zulkifli said there were certain aspects which must be reviewed when it comes to new technology, including potential cyber attacks and gathering of sensitive information.

“In order to prevent such threats, we have to take precautionary measures,” he said.

On Saturday, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Malaysia would conduct a preliminary study before making a decision on whether to block China’s telecommunications giant Huawei from building 5G infrastructure in Malaysia, following concerns over cyber espionage.

On Tuesday, Daim Zainuddin, who is an adviser to the government, said Malaysia must be cautious of the 5G technology that China is currently exploring.

The former finance minister said this was because it could pose a threat to the country’s cyber and digital security. - FMT