STATEMENT BY
MR. SHAHARUDDIN ONN
MINISTER COUNSELLOR, PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE ON THE PROTECTION OF CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AGAINST TERRORIST ATTACKS
13 FEBRUARY 2017
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Mr. President,
I wish to thank you for convening today’s Open Debate and I join earlier speakers in congratulating you on your delegation’s assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month.
2. I also wish to thank the briefers for their presentations and insights on this issue.
3. Malaysia stands firm in the fight against terrorism. It is without a doubt that damage to critical infrastructure, which is essential for the maintenance of vital societal functions, by natural disasters, terrorism, criminal activity or malicious behaviour, would negatively impact the security of a country and the well-being of its citizens. It is therefore important that national critical infrastructure are protected against terrorist attacks.
4. All governments recognise the threat posed by terrorism against critical infrastructure and the sustained preventive and mitigation efforts it requires. While the responsibility for the protection critical infrastructure against terrorist attacks rests primarily with the State, the implementation of steps to reduce the vulnerability of privately owned and corporate assets is also highly dependent on the owners of such assets.
5. Nevertheless, private firms may not have adequate commercial incentive to fund vulnerability reduction initiatives. For some, the cost of reducing vulnerabilities may outweigh the benefits of reduced risks from terrorist attacks as well as from natural and other disasters.
6. While governments have a primary role in the protection of critical infrastructure, it is a matter of responsibility, necessity and good governance for owners of such critical infrastructure to address the security needs of their assets. There is therefore a need for governments and businesses to share intelligence and information on threats, vulnerability and measures to protect critical infrastructure and mitigate the risks involved.
Mr. President,
7. We believe that the CTITF Working Group on the Protection of Critical Infrastructure including Vulnerable Targets, Internet and Tourism Security has an important role to play in the international community’s efforts to protect critical infrastructure against terrorist attacks. These efforts may include promoting international and public-private cooperation; capacity-building; sharing of best practices; improving responsiveness and resilience through planning, prevention, crisis management and recovery; promoting the exchange of information and best practices and establishing a network of experts on the protection of critical infrastructure.
8. At the domestic level, Malaysia’s effort in the protection of critical infrastructure is divided into two parts, namely at the federal level, and the State level. At the federal level it falls under the Central Committee on critical national infrastructure that is led by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Home Affairs. While at the State level, the committee on critical infrastructure is led by the State Secretary.
9. Under these committees, the audit or monitoring team is tasked to monitor the level of security at all critical infrastructure to detect any non-compliance, and to accordingly advise the operator/owner on improving its security level.
10. National legislation related to the protection of critical infrastructure against terrorist attacks include the National Security Council Act 2016 and the Protected Areas and Protected Places Act 1959. A National Cyber Security Policy is also in place to ensure the security of Malaysia’s Critical National Information Infrastructure.
Mr. President,
11. Malaysia’s co-sponsorship of resolution 2341, adopted by the Council earlier this morning, signifies Malaysia’s commitment to the efforts of the international community, through the sharing of best practices, experience, expertise and intelligence, to further strengthen our capacities in safeguarding and protecting critical infrastructure against terrorist attacks.
I thank you, Mr. President.