GEORGE TOWN: Lawmakers should be wary of e-mails urging them to click on links or scan QR codes that could spread malicious software, says Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
The Communications Minister said such e-mails could also be phishing attempts, which could lead to the device being hacked and theft of personal information.
“That is why we are reminding MPs and assemblymen to be extra careful.
“The warning has been conveyed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission via the secretariat of Dewan Rakyat,” he said after presenting the Kasih@Hawana Aid Fund to Kwong Wah Yit Poh crime reporter Choo Kar Chun, 44, at his residence in Bandar Baru Air Itam here yesterday.
It was reported that at least 12 lawmakers, including Fahmi himself, claimed they had received e-mails threatening to release purported lewd videos of them, which the authorities had said was generated by artificial intelligence.
The e-mail sender claims to be a private investigator who was hired for a long-term probe to spy on the lawmakers.
Each e-mail demanded a payment of US$100,000 (RM420,500).
In the process of the probe, the investigator had allegedly uncovered the lawmakers’ illicit activities and claimed that they are supposed to share this proof with their client.
Fahmi said so far, only male lawmakers received the e-mails, which were believed to have originated from the same source.
He added that police investigations are ongoing.
Fahmi believes the modus operandi involved the use of publicly available information on the official websites of the Dewan Rakyat, Dewan Negara and the state assemblies, such as e-mail addresses and official profile photos.
“It is recommended to change your password at least once a year and activate two-step authentication.
“If someone tries to log in from a new device, the account owner will receive a notification.
“This is an added security measure to prevent hacking attempts,” Fahmi said.
He also advised the public to be vigilant of suspicious messages, e-mails or social media posts.
“Even if you receive a message from someone you know, do not trust it immediately.
“Contact the person directly to confirm. Otherwise, it could be a scammer impersonating them for malicious purposes, such as asking for donations.
“If you receive a wedding invitation message with a link in ‘APK’ format, never open it.
“That is a known hacking method used to take control of mobile phones and apps like WhatsApp,” the minister added.
Separately, Fahmi said his ministry is considering additional support for Choo to help replace his current hearing aid.
Choo has suffered hearing loss since October 2024.
“I’ll meet Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim to see if PERKESO (Social Security Organisation) can extend further assistance,” he said.
