Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Communications has issued a warning to the public, including Members of Parliament and state assemblymen, to exercise caution regarding threatening emails suspected to be sent by parties employing phishing tactics.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil stated that a reminder notice was disseminated through the Dewan Rakyat Secretary as a precautionary measure. This notice is particularly concerned with emails that contain links or QR codes, which may harbor malware capable of compromising the recipient's device and endangering personal and security information.
Fahmi explained that the emails are believed to originate from a single source, utilizing publicly accessible information such as official addresses and profile pictures from the websites of the Dewan Rakyat, the Senate, and State Legislative Assemblies. The minister provided these details at a press conference following his presentation of a Tabung Kasih HAWANA donation to Kwong Wah Yit Poh journalist Choo Kar Chun.
The event was also attended by key figures such as Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, and editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj. Fahmi mentioned that police are currently investigating the number of MPs who have received these emails, and Google has been asked to assist with the probe.
In urging individuals to bolster their cybersecurity measures, Fahmi recommended changing passwords at least annually and enabling two-factor authentication. He stressed the importance of remaining vigilant in the rapidly evolving digital landscape, especially with the rise of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), as cybercriminals continuously seek opportunities to exploit vulnerabilities.
Fahmi also cautioned against opening links to APK files from unknown sources, such as unsolicited wedding invitations, as these could be used to compromise devices and messaging applications.