MY govt to leverage AI in move to tackle scams and violence, says deputy PM

Malaysian deputy prime minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi reportedly said that the government will be leveraging AI to form a social digital platform to address the country's social ills. Zahid reportedly made these comments during the launch of the National Social Policy (DSN 2030) at the World Trade Centre on Monday (Oct 21).

This will reportedly come in the form of a collaboration with the private sector and non-governmental organisations on matters related to mental health, welfare, employment and education. It will also see multiple ministries working hand-in-hand under DSN 2030. 

This comes as the Malaysian government is taking proactive steps to curb the escalating trend of violent crimes, scams and other social issues that are plaguing communities across the nation, said Zahid as reported by The Star. 

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With the rapid rise of digital and communication technology, including AI, a fresh and effective approach is needed to address the root problems, Zahid reportedly said. 

The problems include cyberbullying, brutal murders, suicide cases, a rise in divorce and cases of abuse involving children, the aged and the disabled. 

The deputy PM said that suicide cases have rose by 10% in 2023 as compared to 2022 and that psychosocial support helpline Talian Heal 15555 received 342 calls over the past two years. Of which 138 of the cases involved attempted suicide. 

He reportedly added that the government has always taken strategic steps in addressing recent issues such as cyberbullying that led to the death of a TikTok user, cases of scams, road bullies and drug abuse. 

In addition, Zahid reportedly said that the country needs a comprehensive social policy to spur its socioeconomic development agenda, adding that he hopes the DSN 2030 will achieve this.

If the policies are executed effectively, Malaysia could be in the top 25 of the human development index and corruption perception index, said Zahid. 

Meanwhile, women, family and community development minister Nancy Shukri, who was present at the event, reportedly said various challenges, including mental health, child protection and social issues have become the main focus of the nation.

She reportedly added that economic development alone is not enough to ensure the wellbeing of the people and that the government needs to ensure that every individual, regardless of their background, is entitled to their rights and gets equal opportunity to grow.

Through the DSN 2030 as an umbrella policy to other social policies, the ministry hopes to build a better future and instill good human values, Nancy added. 

Meanwhile, the Malaysian government has unveiled a new anti-smoking campaign.

The campaign centres around an AI programme called "Cik Era ChatBot" which provides a 24-hours chatbot service for smokers and vapers before they are channeled to trained smoking cessation service operators. "Cik Era ChatBot" comes as the ministry of health aims to expand access to smoking cessation services. 

The programme is run under the ministry of health's 'Jom quit' ('Let's quit') portal, which offers resources and support to help Malaysians quit smoking.

"Cik Era ChatBot" is the result of a collaboration between professional bodies, NGOs and the private sector to help the nation overcome smoking. 

At the same time, the programme is in line with the 'Control of smoking products for public health act 2024' (Act 852) and its regulations and orders. 

Photo courtesy Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Facebook 

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