(L to R) Ram Papatla, Managing Director, Trust and Safety, Google APAC, YB Teo Nie Ching, Deputy Minister of Communications, YB Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Minister of Communications, Ben King, Country Managing Director, Google Malaysia, Ir. Dr Megat Zuhairy Bin Megat Tajuddin, Chief Executive of NACSA National Cyber Security Agency, National Security Council (NACSA, NSC), Mediha Mahmood, Chief Executive Officer, Communications and Multimedia Content Forum
To further keep Malaysians safe from financial fraud, Google has rolled out its enhanced fraud protection feature within Google Play Protect to all Android users in Malaysia. This initiative is supported by the National Cyber Security Agency, National Security Council (NACSA, NSC), and is designed to better safeguard mobile users against malware-enabled scams, by blocking the installation of potentially-risky sideloaded apps.
The announcement was made at the Google 2026 Online Safety Dialogue, alongside Malaysia Minister of Communications, YB Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. This is in line with the Ministry’s ‘Kempen Internet Selamat’, aimed at bolstering nationwide digital safety against threats such as online scams.
Google’s feature blocks installation of internet-sideloaded apps from web browsers, messaging apps or file managers that attempt to access sensitive permissions commonly exploited for financial fraud.
(L to R) Ram Papatla, Managing Director, Trust & Safety, Google APAC, Dr. Piti Srisangnam, ASEAN Foundation Executive Director, YB Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Ambassador Datin Sarah Nava Rani Al Bakri Devadason, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the ASEAN Foundation and Permanent Representative of Malaysia to ASEAN, Ambassador Evangeline T. Ong Jimenez-Ducrocq, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Philippines to ASEAN
YB Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Malaysia Minister of Communications, said, “Strengthening online safety and platform accountability is a national priority. We are encouraged by Google’s proactive introduction of enhanced safeguards across its platforms, which serve as a critical defense against evolving cyber risks. By combining technology with partnerships and local community outreach, the company’s initiatives support our national 'Kempen Internet Selamat' and ensure that every Malaysian is empowered with the knowledge and tools to stay safe and informed in this digital age."
Ben King, Country Managing Director, Google Malaysia, said, “As Malaysia advances with AI, creating a safe digital experience for every Malaysian becomes more critical than ever. While we have introduced new products and programs to tackle scams, we understand that these threats are always evolving. Google remains committed to staying ahead of these risks by innovating our AI-powered defenses, and investing in nationwide literacy programs that empower Malaysians with the knowledge to defend against these evolving threats. Together, we are building a future where everyone can navigate the internet with confidence.”
Ir. Dr. Megat Zuhairy bin Megat Tajuddin, Chief Executive of the National Cyber Security Agency, National Security Council (NACSA, NSC), added, “Safeguarding our national cyberspace requires a multi-layered and whole-of-society approach, in line with the Malaysia Cyber Security Strategy (MCSS) 2025–2030. NACSA welcomes industry-led efforts that enhance user protection, as such measures contribute to strengthening Malaysia’s overall cyber resilience and help ensure that digital technologies remain a safe and trusted enabler of progress.”
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We’re evolving the browsing experience by bringing Chrome’s powerful AI features to more regions and languages, helping millions of people get the most out of their browser.
Kuala Lumpur, April 21, 2026 - The browser is where we get work done, learn new things and connect with the world. But sometimes, the tasks we do online — like reading a long chemistry paper or just finding quick inspiration for dinner — can feel tedious and slow us down.
That’s why we’ve reimagined Chrome with built-in AI to help people seek and understand information. Today, we’re bringing many of Chrome's latest AI features, including Gemini in Chrome, to Malaysia.
Powered by our latest AI capabilities (Gemini 3.1), these browser enhancements will first be available on desktop and iOS. On Android, you can activate Gemini when using Chrome and other apps by holding the power button.
Here are the features to expect.
Interact with web content without switching tabs
Whether you need to synthesize a complex article or spark a new idea, you can now do so without losing your place on the web. With Chrome’s side panel, you can multi-task with ease and instantly get help with whatever you’re working on, without ever having to switch tabs. Just click the icon in the top right corner of your current tab and start chatting with your personalized browsing assistant
Gemini in Chrome is rolling out to all Mac, Windows and Chromebook Plus users
Chrome’s new AI enhanced capabilities can help you summarize lengthy web content, perform tasks like creating a pop quiz for your upcoming final, answer questions like “how can I make this recipe vegan?” and even remember pages you’ve previously visited so you can finally close the tabs you’ve set aside for later.
By connecting your workspace tools within the browser (such as Gmail, Maps, Calendar, YouTube and more), Chrome helps you act on information the moment you find it. With ease, you can schedule meetings on your Calendar, see location details from Maps and ask questions about YouTube videos.
Gemini in Chrome lets you easily see the key points of YouTube videos.
Integration with Gmail means you can even compose and send emails without leaving your current page. Just open the side panel and ask to send an email. Once it’s finished, you’ll have the option to make any necessary edits and then get it sent with a single click.
Gemini in Chrome works with other Google apps, such as Gmail, letting you draft and send emails directly from the side panel.
Get work done faster across tabs
Gemini in Chrome can work across multiple open tabs, so you can easily cross-reference and consolidate information into a single view. Planning a team building activity? Chrome can bring together all of your research to plan the perfect offsite ice breaker. Shopping for a vegan protein powder? No problem. You can easily create a table comparing the key details of products across sites, making shopping a breeze.
Gemini in Chrome can work with the context of multiple tabs.
Transform images on the web with Nano Banana
We’ve also built Nano Banana 2 directly into Chrome so you can transform images on the fly. All you need to do is type a prompt in the side panel to explain what you’re trying to do. Nano Banana 2 will do the rest, transforming the image without needing to upload files or open a new tab. For instance, with Nano Banana 2, you can become your own interior designer, mixing and matching furniture before ever making a purchase.
No need for copy-pasting or re-uploading; Gemini in Chrome uses Nano Banana to transform images in your current browser window.
Stay safe with Chrome’s security by design
These new capabilities are designed to keep you in control, and were built with security in mind from the start. We’ve trained our models to recognize known threats like prompt injection to keep you safe as you browse. We’ve also built safeguards to ask for confirmation before taking certain sensitive actions, like sending an email or adding an event to your calendar. To validate the security of Chrome’s layered defenses, we use automated red-teaming to continually strengthen our protections, and Chrome’s auto-update capabilities allow us to get fixes out to you quickly, so we can respond to the latest threats.
These are just some of the awesome new capabilities that represent the next chapter of Chrome in making the web more accessible and actionable to everyone in Malaysia. We’ll be adding more capabilities and expanding into even more regions and languages throughout the year, so stay tuned.
Kuala Lumpur, December 8, 2025 - As Malaysians wrap up another year of rapid change, cultural shifts and digital transformation, Google’s Year in Search 2025 provides a unique lens into what mattered most to the nation. From government initiatives that directly impacted households, to AI tools that became everyday essentials, to dramas, personalities and blockbusters that sparked nationwide conversations, this year’s trending searches reflect the heartbeat of Malaysia in 2025.
Turning to Search to Navigate Living Costs and Welfare
In 2025, Malaysians turned to Google to navigate rising living costs, new government rollouts and updated welfare programmes, alongside staying informed about emerging technologies that could improve their daily lives.
Rahmah Cash Contribution (#2 Searches, #1 News) remained a topic of interest, as a key form of financial assistance for many Malaysian households. Welfare and social assistance program like MyKasih (#3 Searches, #2 News) and targeted fuel subsidy scheme such as Budi95 (#6 Searches, #3 News) also saw significant spikes, as families sought clarity around eligibility, disbursement schedules and application steps. Meanwhile, E-Pembelajaran Sektor Awam (Public Sector E-Learning) (#7 Searches) and mySalam (#10 Searches) continued to draw strong interest, especially for civil servants seeking upskilling opportunities and B40 households looking for dependable health coverage information respectively.
The year’s biggest local news moments, ranging from the Putra Heights pipeline explosion (#8 News) to the Southern Selangor floods (#9 News), dominated national attention as Malaysians increasingly relied on Search for real-time updates, road closures and safety information.
AI Takes Centre Stage in Everyday Malaysian Life
Google’s AI assistant, Gemini, (#1 Searches) topped the overall trending list, reflecting Malaysians’ growing reliance on AI for work, learning and decision-making. Users were also getting creative with tools like Pixverse AI (#6) to create hyper-realistic visual content, short-form videos and animation for work, studies and social media.
In fact, Malaysians are among the most active AI users in ASEAN, with three in four Malaysian digital consumers interacting with Generative AI tools daily. This surge in AI interest signifies Malaysia’s wider push towards digitalization — from students using chatbots for schoolwork, to SMEs adopting AI for marketing and customer support, to creators using AI for content production.
Movies and Dramas that Captivated the Nation
Malaysians once again proved their deep connection to both Hollywood and Asian cinema, with Blood Brothers (#1 Movies), Superman (#2) and Thunderbolts (#3) dominating the charts as passionate fan communities fuelled waves of anticipation and online conversations. People of all ages were dancing along to the tracks of KPop Demon Hunters (#7), while younger audiences fuelled the popularity of A Minecraft Movie (#9), and beloved franchises like Jurassic World Rebirth (#10) and Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning (#6) resurfaced as major crowd-pullers.
Closer to home, dramas such as Keluarga Itu (#7 Drama) and Dia Bukan Syurga (#10 Drama) reflected Malaysians’ enduring appetite for relatable family themes, local humour and emotional storytelling.
On the drama front, global hits like Squid Game (#1 Drama) kept Malaysian audiences at the edge of their seats and Emerald Hill (翠山小娘惹, #3 Drama), brought them through a journey of cultural nostalgia.
Personalities Who Captivated Malaysians in 2025
Malaysians’ search behaviour this year demonstrated a vibrant mix of entertainment, global issues and cultural moments, with personalities ranging from international figures to regional and homegrown talents. Locally, Amira thman (#1 People) saw a surge in attention driven by her new music release and renewed focus on her personal life.
Globally, climate advocate Greta Thunberg (#7 People) drew heightened searches as Malaysians followed updates surrounding her recent situation, while regional favourite Luna Maya (#8 People), one of Indonesia’s most recognisable entertainment figures, attracted increased interest as news of her marriage became a major talking point. Beyond personalities, nostalgia rose as fans revisited iconic acts like My Chemical Romance (#9 People) following the announcement of their Kuala Lumpur concert and the addition of a second show.
Ben King, Managing Director, Google Malaysia & Singapore said, “Year in Search truly takes the pulse of Malaysia – from national milestones to seeking the best entertainment and trending personalities. We are also seeing a shift in the way people search. They are now seeking not just answers, but deeper context and quicker insights. By introducing features like AI Mode, we are reimagining what Search can do to help Malaysians navigate their world faster and stay helpful across moments big and small.”
For a look at the full list, visit the website HERE.
In addition to highlighting what Malaysians were most curious about this year, Google Search also sheds light on the topics that captured global attention in 2025. Visit the global trends site to explore more Year in Search stories and discover the top trending charts from Malaysia and countries around the world.
