BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE Internal Security Department (ISD) and Authority of Info-communications Technology will stay alert in monitoring online activities, the Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office said.

Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia Hj Mohd Yasmin Hj Umar said Internet abuse such as slandering and spreading negative images should be dealt with before they become threats to the stability of the country.

The minister was responding to Legislative Council member YB Pehin Orang Kaya Maharaja Kerna Dato Paduka Seri Haji Yaakub Pehin Orang Kaya Maharaja Diraja Dato Paduka Hj Zainal’s query whether the ISD conducts surveillance on complaints and defamatory remarks on social media.

YB Dato Hj Mohd Yasmin said unhealthy activities such as defamation, provocation, incitement and spreading negative images posed huge problems as they can quickly spread among the public.

The minister acknowledged that hacking and spreading viruses are some of the challenges which needs to be addressed as they keep growing from day to day.

He said such activities are not only targeting individuals, but also organisations, including the government itself.

In addition, he said youths are the most vulnerable to cyber crimes, which know no age boundaries.

The minister said exposure to negative articles or video clips can affect their thinking, in terms of their moral and religious values.

The responsibility of regulating the use of Internet should not be shouldered by government agencies alone, he said.

“As consumers, we must adopt a responsible attitude by not participating in discussions and spread (information) which are negative.

“As parents or guardians, we will need to take part in reminding (those under our care) to be cautious and not to be involved in unhealthy activities that violate laws and teachings of Islam when using the Internet,” he added.

The Brunei Times