THE government has pledged to take firm action against cybercriminals after several federal and state lawmakers were targeted in a coordinated blackmail campaign involving fake AI-generated pornographic content.
The emails, sent via Gmail, include screenshots purporting to be from fabricated explicit videos, with the sender demanding USD100,000 (about RM420,000) to prevent the material from being circulated online.
Authorities believe the videos are entirely fictitious and generated using artificial intelligence.
“The government views this incident seriously,” said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil in a statement on Sunday, confirming that he too had received the threatening email.
“I have instructed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to work closely with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to trace and identify the perpetrators behind these emails, which appear to originate from the same address and contain near-identical language and attachments,” he said.
Among the recipients are Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli (MP for Pandan), Subang MP Wong Chen, Sungai Petani MP Dr Taufiq Johari, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli, Selangor state executive councillors Najwan Halimi and Dr Fahmi Ngah, Senator Manolan Mohamad, Kulim state assemblyman Wong Chia Zen, and most recently, Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Chan Foong Hin.
Chan, who is also MP for Kota Kinabalu and the latest victim who came forward, confirmed he received the same extortion message on Friday.
“I’ve instructed my special duties officer to lodge a complaint with MCMC the same day I received the email,” he said when contacted.
“The content is the same as what was reported by other MPs. The demand is USD100,000 (approximately RM420,000). I don’t consider it to be a credible threat — I see it as a scam. So I’ve just reported it to MCMC.”
He also ruled out any political element, stating, “I don’t believe this has anything to do with politics. But I do hope MCMC will investigate the report.”
Fahmi stressed that such actions constitute serious offences under Malaysian law.
“It is a crime under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 to send offensive communications with the intent to threaten, which is punishable with a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both,” he said.
“These actions may also be investigated under Section 503 of the Penal Code for criminal intimidation.”
He reaffirmed the MADANI government’s zero-tolerance stance on digital threats.
“This administration will not compromise with anyone who misuses technology and communication networks to threaten or deceive the public. All efforts will be mobilised to bring the offenders to justice and safeguard public safety.”
The government has encouraged any individuals receiving similar emails to report them immediately to the authorities. Investigations are ongoing. - September 14, 2025
