By Anne Das
Recognising online scams and protecting personal information were the focus of a cybersecurity awareness workshop for residents of PPR Taman Harmoni Buntong in Ipoh.
Forty participants attended the session on October 25 at the neighbourhood’s community hall. The workshop was organised by Perak Women for Women (PWW) in collaboration with the Taman Harmoni Buntong Residents’ Association (PPTHB).
The workshop brought digital safety into a familiar community space, with attention given to everyday concerns such as protecting bank accounts and keeping personal information secure.
For residents, the subject has a direct connection to how they manage their money and communicate. Using digital services also means understanding the risks that come with them, particularly when a convincing approach may be an attempt to deceive.
The programme covered identifying online scams and protecting bank accounts and e-wallets. Participants also learnt about creating strong passwords, securing their mobile phones and safeguarding personal data.
These topics formed part of a broader effort to help residents recognise potential threats and take preventive measures. The aim was to build the knowledge needed to use digital facilities with greater confidence and reduce the risk of becoming a victim of fraud.
Holding such a programme within the neighbourhood made a technical subject more accessible. It gave residents a shared starting point for understanding digital safety, while bringing attention to precautions that can otherwise be overlooked in daily routines.
The initiative also demonstrated how community organisations and residents’ associations can work together to bring useful educational programmes closer to home.
Here, the focus was on knowledge residents could relate to their own phones, accounts and daily transactions.
PPTHB chairman Muhammad Faiz Abdullah expressed appreciation to the Mayor of Ipoh and Ipoh City Council (MBI) for their cooperation in facilitating the use of the community hall.
He also thanked PWW, collaborating partners and those who contributed their time and support to the coordination of the workshop.
PPTHB hopes to see more educational and awareness programmes organised for local residents, with participation open to people of all races, religions and backgrounds.
The goal is to help residents recognise scams before they lose money or expose their personal information. Taking that knowledge home puts more families in a better position to spot the warning signs.
