KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 — Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail today said police have received ten reports related to recent cyber threats targeting several MPs and assemblymen.
However, he said that only four police reports were formally lodged.
“For everyone’s information, we have received ten reports related to cyber threats, but only four were formally lodged with the police. We are currently investigating the matter, and any developments will be conveyed to the relevant parties,” he told reporters at a press conference here.
When asked about the motive, Mohd Khalid said it is still under investigation.
“It is still under investigation, as in cases like this there are sometimes certain parties who try to take advantage by making threats against specific individuals for financial gain and other purposes,” he said.
Recently, the media reported that former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli claimed he had received a threat involving a fake video, allegedly manipulated with artificial intelligence to depict him and another man engaged in sex acts, which was sent via an anonymous email last Friday.
The Pandan MP said the sender also demanded US$100,000 (RM420,000) from him to prevent the video from being spread, and that Subang MP Wong Chen had also received a similar threat via email.
Among the leaders who received similar email threats were Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil; Subang MP Wong Chen; Sungai Petani MP Mohammed Taufiq Johari; Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim; Selangor state executive councillor for youth, sports and entrepreneurship Najwan Halimi; Senator Manolan Mohamad; Kulim state assemblyman Wong Chia Zen; Selangor state executive councillor for Islamic affairs and innovation culture Mohammad Fahmi Ngah; and opposition MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan (Tasek Gelugor).
