Data Protection Officer (DPO)
A designated person responsible for overseeing an organisation's data protection strategy, ensuring PDPA compliance, and serving as the point of contact for data subjects and regulators.
A Data Protection Officer (DPO) oversees how an organisation handles personal data. While Malaysia's PDPA does not explicitly require every business to appoint a DPO, it is strongly recommended — especially for businesses processing large volumes of personal data or handling sensitive information. The DPO ensures compliance with all 7 PDPA principles, manages data subject access requests, and coordinates breach response.
SME Approach
Small businesses that cannot afford a dedicated DPO should assign data protection responsibilities to a senior staff member and ensure they receive proper training. A Virtual CISO service can also fulfil this role on a fractional basis.