Opposition MP Wan Saiful Wan Jan, a member of Bersatu’s Supreme Council, has become the latest target of a blackmail scheme involving threatening emails demanding US$100,000 to suppress the release of fabricated sex videos. Wan Saiful discovered the email in his spam folder while having breakfast at an eatery in his Tasek Gelugor constituency.
The email, consistent with those sent to other MPs, included a blurry screenshot of the doctored video and a QR code for transferring the demanded funds. In a Facebook post, Wan Saiful expressed confidence that Malaysians would recognize the videos as fake, stating, “I am confident that Malaysians know these videos are not authentic.”
He noted that other MPs might have received similar emails but may not have noticed them if they were filtered into spam folders, as his was. Wan Saiful announced he would refer the matter to authorities to determine whether an official report is warranted.
Earlier on Sunday, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who also received a similar threatening email, underscored the government’s grave concern over these incidents. He emphasized that the misuse of technology and communication networks to intimidate or deceive the public would not be tolerated. “The government is committed to ensuring the perpetrators are brought to justice to safeguard public safety,” Fahmi stated in a Facebook post, adding that the emails appear to originate from a single email address.
Other politicians targeted include Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli, Subang MP Wong Chen, Sungai Petani MP Dr. Taufiq Johari, Hang Tuah Jaya MP Adam Adli, Kota Kinabalu MP Chan Foong Hin, Kota Anggerik assemblyman Najwan Halimi, Seri Setia assemblyman Fahmi Ngah, Kulim assemblyman Wong Chia Zen, and Senator Manolan Mohamad.
On Saturday night, Rafizi Ramli revealed he had received an email containing a screenshot of a manipulated video with his image superimposed. He warned that threats, defamation attempts through fake videos, fake news, and hacking were likely to persist. Rafizi urged the public to verify any suspicious videos, images, or emails purportedly involving him. He also suggested the attack might be linked to a case he was investigating, noting a recent meeting with whistleblowers as a possible trigger.
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