Malaysia’s home minister has been hit by a wave of public ridicule after his WhatsApp account was hacked, raising questions over the country’s digital protections when its top security official has been targeted by cyber criminals.
Mobile phishing scams are rampant in Malaysia, with citizens frequently harassed by calls from fraudsters posing as police, banks or courts to extort money under the guise of criminal probes.
The account of Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, head of the Home Ministry – which oversees policing, immigration, border and prisons as well as citizenship registration and censorship of films and books – had been compromised by “irresponsible groups”, his ministry confirmed.
It urged the public not to entertain any messages or calls from anyone purporting to be the minister.
“We remind the public not to be fooled by anyone claiming to be Saifuddin Nasution, especially in matters involving finances or meeting arrangements,” the ministry said.
