KUALA LUMPUR, May 13 — Modern security threats such as cybercrime, online scams and increasingly complex cross-border crimes require strategic cooperation among various parties to be addressed effectively.

Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail said losses due to online scams in Malaysia reached RM2.7 billion last year, highlighting that current security challenges cannot be handled by enforcement agencies alone.

He said the success of Ops Hazard 3.0, which uncovered more than 110 illegal e-waste sites, also demonstrated the evolving sophistication of such threats and the need for a more comprehensive approach.

“The theme ‘Synergised Policing: Securing the Future Together’ highlighted during the PDRM Special Dialogue V 2026 (PSD V 2026) programme is highly relevant to today’s global security realities.

“We have expanded the scope of discussions to include highly concerning modern security threats such as cybercrime, online scams, cross-border crime, narcotics syndicates and environmental sustainability issues,” he said in his speech at the closing ceremony of the programme here today.

The two-day programme, which began yesterday, featured 31 sessions including keynote addresses, panel discussions and technical workshops involving industry players, enforcement agencies, technology experts and policymakers.

Mohd Khalid said among the key topics discussed were the evolution of psychological manipulation techniques in cybercrime, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in border control and strategies to dismantle drug distribution networks through financial intelligence.

He added that the signing of a memorandum of agreement between Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) in the field of forensic science was another key achievement of this year’s PSD V 2026.

“Through this agreement, USM is offering three places for Master’s or Doctor of Philosophy programmes in forensic science, as well as two places in social sciences, management or communication, with full tuition fee exemptions.

“This strategic collaboration, which has been established since 2016, reflects our commitment to strengthening the PDRM’s forensic investigation capabilities through the sharing of expertise, professional training and strategic research,” he said.

He added that all input and technologies shared throughout the dialogue would serve as a catalyst for the Asia International Security Summit & Expo 2027, which is scheduled to take place early next year. — Bernama 

MAY 10 — When most people think about the immune system, they think of protection against infections by fighting off the common cold, influenza, or more serious diseases such as Covid-19. 

Rarely do we stop to consider that our immune system is also quietly engaged in another life-saving battle: protecting us from cancer.

This message is especially timely as the world marked International Day of Immunology on April 29, a reminder of the extraordinary role the immune system plays in safeguarding our health, often in ways we do not see. 

Imagine, for a moment, that your body is a bustling city. In every city, law and order depends on a vigilant police force as officers patrolling the streets, identifying threats, responding to emergencies, and keeping the public safe. Our immune system works in much the same way.

Immune cells are the body’s internal police force. Some act like patrol officers, constantly circulating through the blood and tissues, scanning for suspicious activity. 

Natural killer (NK) cells are among the rapid responders, highly trained officers that can quickly detect and eliminate abnormal or stressed cells before they cause harm. 

T cells are more like specialised investigators and tactical units, able to recognise specific threats, track them down, and destroy dangerous cells with remarkable precision. 

Other immune cells function as intelligence officers, collecting evidence, sending warning signals, and coordinating a wider defensive response.

Every day, billions of cells in our body grow, divide, and die as part of normal life. 

Occasionally, some cells begin behaving abnormally due to genetic mutations by ignoring the body’s rules and multiplying uncontrollably. 

These rogue cells can eventually become cancer. 

This photo taken on January 14, 2026 shows a cross section of a cancer sample removed in surgery, sandwiched between two slides, pictured in a storeroom at St Mark’s hospital at Northwick Park in Harrow, west London. — AFP pic

But just as a city’s police force works to stop crime before it spreads, our immune system is constantly identifying and removing potentially cancerous cells before they develop into dangerous tumours.

Much of this silent protection happens without us ever knowing. The challenge is that cancer can behave like organised crime, very clever, adaptive, and capable of evading detection. 

Tumours can disguise themselves, suppress immune responses, and create environments where immune cells become less effective. In other words, cancer can hide in plain sight.

Modern immunology is now helping the body’s police force fight back. 

Through immunotherapy, scientists are developing treatments that strengthen immune cells, remove the “brakes” that prevent them from attacking tumours, and help them recognise cancer more effectively. 

In recent years, these advances have transformed cancer treatment, offering hope to patients facing cancers once considered difficult to treat.

For Malaysia, this is a timely reminder of why immunology matters. As cancer cases continue to rise, investment in biomedical research, early detection, and innovative therapies is increasingly important. 

Malaysia has growing expertise in immunology and cancer science, and with stronger support for research and public awareness, the country can contribute meaningfully to global advances in healthcare.

As we reflect on International Day of Immunology, we should remember this: within each of us is a highly intelligent defence force, working day and night to keep us safe. 

Quietly vigilant, remarkably sophisticated, and always on duty as our immune system is the body’s hidden protector, and one of our greatest weapons against cancer.

* Dr Norfarazieda Hassan is from the Pusat Kanser Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, Universiti Sains Malaysia and can be reached at fara.hassan@usm.my

** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.