The Digital Ministry has launched the nation’s first vehicle forensics laboratory to aid in incident investigations. Operated by CyberSecurity Malaysia, the laboratory is meant to provide support in cases like road accidents and cross-border crime involving vehicles such as human trafficking and smuggling.
According to Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo, the laboratory enhances the country’s technical abilities, aligning with the government’s aim to improve digital security. He went on to note that the laboratory will cooperate with the relevant authorities such as the police or the Road Transport Department (JPJ) whenever an accident has occurred.
The laboratory’s capabilities include vehicle data retrieval, crash data analysis, dashcam data preservation, speed analysis from video footage, cybersecurity analysis of vehicle systems, as well as vehicle tracking. In addition to these features, the vehicle forensics laboratory can analyse data from the vehicle’s engine control unit (ECU) and provide technical support.
Gobind explained that the data collected will be used to determine the root causes of an incident. Furthermore, this understanding can help in identifying the necessary measures to address the factors contributing to the incident.
Of course, there is the issue of privacy, given the wealth of data involved. Gobind assured that the laboratory fully complies with the existing data privacy laws, and that it will ensure that the information is safely stored. He went on to assert that there will be no compromise on this matter.
Aside from that, the minister mentioned that the laboratory has received certification from he Malaysia Book of Records as the first vehicle forensic lab in the country. He claimed that this recognition highlights CyberSecurity Malaysia’s expertise in cybersecurity and digital forensics.
