MCMC: We’re investigating spam phone calls to leaders

Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission says such 'attacks' could affect telcos, causing major inconvenience to the public.

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has confirmed that it received complaints on spam phone calls received by various Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan leaders since early this morning.

“All who have reported the issue to us said that they have seen their phones ringing before the call suddenly drops.

“Our initial investigation points to a BOTS attack which is initiated anonymously from various sources with differing targets irrespective of the political parties,” MCMC said in a statement.

The agency also appealed to those behind these attacks to “immediately stop and refrain from further use of such technical attacks”.

“All these spam calls could jeopardise the telecommunication network, causing major inconvenience to the public besides being a security risk.”

MCMC also advised anyone receiving calls from unknown numbers not to answer them.

“MCMC and the service providers are continuing to investigate and in the event that the initiator/s is identified, MCMC will take stern action as provided by the law.”

The issue which had been highlighted earlier this morning by many PH leaders, was later found to afflict BN leaders as well.

As a result, Prime Minister Najib Razak condemned those responsible for the attacks.

“Aside from the phones not functioning normally, even BN websites have also become inaccessible. I have asked for prompt action to be taken,” he said in a Twitter message. -FMT