PUTRAJAYA, July 9 -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for a collective national defence, warning that security can no longer be left solely to the military and enforcement agencies as artificial intelligence (AI) and cyber threats reshape Malaysia's security landscape.

Launching National Security Month at the Cyber Defence and Security Exhibition and Conference (CYDES) 2026, Anwar argued that conventional approaches are insufficient against increasingly sophisticated criminals who are now exploiting emerging technologies.

"If every family and every household is not prepared, there is a security risk. Criminals and smugglers are becoming more sophisticated and are now using AI," he said.

The prime minister stressed tha...