DEFENCE WHITE PAPER 41. The MAF has recognised cyber electromagnetic as a new operational domain. This domain provides critical capabilities that enables the MAF to conduct operations safely across all other domains. 42. The usage of Unmanned Systems such as drones as destructive weapons has become a more widespread practice. In September 2019, an attack employing drones was launched against Saudi oil processing facilities. Meanwhile, rebel groups in Syria had executed multiple strikes on military bases utilising drones with explosive payloads. Such incidents prove that these threats are a reality that we must confront. 43. For the purpose of military operations, the combination of cyber operations with Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities forms up the Cyber Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA) efforts to protect CNII. EW is a promising countermeasure element in combating drones of all sizes and mission profiles. Defence can be carried out through EW to disrupt the navigational system, communication, fuses and weapon trigger functions, and may potentially take over the control of the drones. 44. In the near future, a combination of weapons and AI technology will pose a new threat to the nation. Potentially, AI will not only increase the efficiency and lethal effect of kinetic weapons, but also guide weapons. Such AI-guided weapons, defined as Autonomous Weapons Systems (AWS), can independently select and attack targets without human intervention. Therefore, the current MAF doctrine dictates CEMA in supporting other military operations that will face these new threats. 45. Since cyber security threats are transnational in nature, overcoming the threats necessitates regional and global level cooperation. Therefore, it is necessary for ASEAN member states to implement practical confidence-building measures and adopt a set of common, voluntary and non-binding norms of responsible state behaviour in cyber space. The measures taken are also to enhance member states’ trust and confidence in the use of cyber space to its full potential to bring about greater regional economic prosperity and integration. 46. Maritime Security Threats. Sea robbery and piracy have long been threats to ships and seafarers sailing through Malaysian waters. These threats have led to the formation of multilateral initiatives such as the MSP and TCA that aims to eradicate sea robbery and piracy effectively. The Government has also established the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), to overcome increasing maritime security threats. Non-traditional threats, like kidnap for ransom, smuggling, human trafficking and other illegal activities in the maritime domain have brought about more challenges to Malaysia. For example, the Kidnap for Ransom Group (KFRG) and Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) actively abduct hostages from the eastern coast of Sabah to extort ransoms for their release. Thus, closer cooperation between Malaysia and neighbouring countries, international maritime organisations as well as the private sectors is important to overcome all these threats. 47. Rampant illegal fishing activity is another maritime security threat to the nation. This issue has impacted the national economy and complicated efforts to ensure a sustainable fisheries industry in the MMZ. Every year, Malaysia loses up to RM6 billion due to illegal fishing activities. Approximately 980 thousand tonnes of the country’s sea-based produce is lost annually. It adversely affects biodiversity, associated and dependent species and the wider ecosystem. Encroachment by foreign fishing vessels undermines Malaysia’s economy, security and sovereignty. The Government is currently tackling this issue through collaboration between maritime enforcement agencies involving integrated operations such as Op Naga conducted in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. 27