Data leak was untrue - Communications and Digital Ministry

SHAH ALAM - Communications and Digital Ministry's investigation into the alleged data leak of Maybank account holders was untrue.

Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that account numbers were bogus adding that no transactions can be done through the use of said leaked figures.

Nontheless, the investigation also found that there was a potential breach but this was likely to be related to the data dump that occured in 2018.

"However, official confirmation from relevant parties is required for the purpose of a detailed investigation under the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 [Act 709]," he said in a statement on Friday.

Previously, Fahmi shared a Facebook posting by one 'Pendakwah Teknologi' claiming that nearly 13 million users information from Maybank, the Election Commission (SPR) and Astro had been leaked.

The leaked information supposedly involved the user's name, full name, date of birth, address and identification number.

Fahmi added that the ministry, through the Personal Data Protection Department (JPDP), in collaboration with CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM) sought feedback from Maybank and Astro to ensure the legitimacy of data ownership.

Meanwhile, he explained, regarding EC data leakage will be submitted to the National Cyber ​​Security Agency (Nacsa) for further action since it is outside the jurisdiction of Act 709.

He added that a restriction notice had also been submitted to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for the purpose of preventing the public from accessing the website.

"I would like to remind all data users to always ensure that the level of cyber security is at a good level and always comply with the principles and standards of personal data protection in accordance with Act 709," he said.