GEORGE TOWN: Elected representatives need to be cautious when handling e-mail, especially those requesting them to click on links or scan QR codes, says Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
The Communications Minister said it was possible that malware, or malicious software, could be embedded in such links.
“That is why we are reminding MPs and state assemblymen to be extra careful.
“The e-mail (could also) be a phishing attempt, whereby if the recipient clicks the link or contacts the scammer, their (personal information could be stolen).
“This warning was conveyed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) via the secretariat of the Dewan Rakyat,” he said after presenting Kasih@Hawana aid to Kwong Wah Yit Poh crime reporter Choo Kar Chun at his residence in Bandar Baru Air Itam here on Monday (Sept 15).
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On Saturday (Sept 13), former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli claimed in a Facebook post that he and Subang MP Wong Chen had been threatened with the distribution of “lewd videos” if they did not pay up.
Each e-mail demanded payment of US$100,000 (approximately RM420,000).
Rafizi, who is the Pandan MP, said the video, sent by e-mail, had been made with artificial intelligence (AI).
Fahmi said so far, only male elected representatives had received the e-mail, believed to originate from the same source.
He added that police are investigating.
“The modus operandi involves using publicly available information on the official websites of the Dewan Rakyat, Dewan Negara (Senate) and the state legislative assemblies, such as e-mail addresses and official profile photos,” he said.
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He urged all internet users to take precautions when it came to security.
“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,” he said.
Fahmi also advised the public to be vigilant of suspicious messages, e-mail, or social media posts.
“Even if you receive a message from someone you know, don’t 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.
“Additionally, if you receive a wedding invitation message with a link to an ‘APK’ file, never open it. That’s a known hacking method used to take control of mobile phones and apps like WhatsApp,” he added.
