SANDAKAN: A total of 714 complaints concerning online content were recorded in the Sandakan district from 2025 to August 2026, including 408 involving social media.
Sandakan Member of Parliament Vivian Wong Shir Yee said the figures show that online risks can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or location. The internet is no longer merely a convenience; it has become part of daily life for education, communication, business, information, and access to services.
“However, the wider the digital space we explore, the greater our responsibility to use it safely and wisely,” she said.
She said this at the launch of the 2026 Safe Internet Campaign Community Carnival for Sandakan District, organised by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) at the PPR Taman Harmoni Multipurpose Hall on Saturday. Her speech was delivered by Elopura Mukim Development Officer Jason Pang, while MCMC Sandakan Director Zaki Musaddad Suyitno also attended.
Vivian said digital safety education must be expanded to the community level so that urban, suburban, and rural communities are not left behind in enjoying the benefits of technology safely and responsibly.
She said local Safe Internet Heroes (WIS) play an important role in conveying digital safety messages because they better understand local realities and challenges.
“What we want to build is not merely a digitally literate society, but a digitally resilient one,” she said, stressing that families and communities are key to curbing scams, cyberbullying, and online threats.
She hoped internet safety would become a culture in every family and community in Sandakan, so that digital progress continues to bring benefits without sacrificing safety and well-being. Jason Pang later presented WIS appointment letters to representatives of the recipients at the event. – James Leong
‘However, the wider the digital space we explore, the greater our responsibility to use it safely and wisely’ – Vivian
