KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has expressed concerns about the risks associated with technology, specifically mentioning his worries when it comes to taking ‘selfies.’
He explained that nowadays, photos can be easily manipulated, often with negative consequences.
“Actually, sometimes, I am quite afraid of ‘selfies’ (photographs taken by oneself), because when you don’t agree to take a ‘selfie,’ people will say, ‘This minister is snobbish, no need to vote for him anymore.’
“Then after you take a ‘selfie,’ the photo has been edited showing just you and the other person, and from there, people will create speculation.
“People will say, ‘Apa ini, nak jadi Premier tambah satu lagi. Tak selfie susah, selfie susah’ (What’s this? The Premier adding another spouse. To selfie or not to selfie, it’s complicated).
“So, this becomes a lie, a scam. Spread false rumours, then it becomes slander, and ultimately, it can bring consequences not only for an individual but also potentially tear apart families,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the State-level 2023 National Anti-Scam Roadshow held at the Borneo Cultural Museum on Saturday (Sept 2).
Abang Johari said this is the risk of technology people have to face in today’s world.
“But we also have to tackle these risks, and that is why I want to thank the experts in cybersecurity who play their roles in how we can mitigate the negative side of technology.
“Overall, on balance, we need technology because the usage of artificial intelligence is very important, especially in the healthcare sector which uses robots, and robots are more precise.
“Hence, the Sarawak government implemented its digital policy, and we must educate our people on it,” he said.
He also emphasised the need for more cybersecurity expertise to protect people from cyber threats.
“I want to share my experience with you, when I went to the United Kingdom to study technology matters. One thing we discussed was about hacking, and I asked the experts how they are going to catch hackers.
“I asked them whether they have that sort of hacker? They said, ‘There is one in Leeds, United Kingdom where one hacker tracks down another hacker.
“Lastly, the particular hacker could be identified. In other words, sometimes we need to have hacking experts, and of course, the ones on the good side, to catch another hacker,” said Abang Johari.
