In a statement the same day, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director M Kumar said four police reports have been lodged.
According to him, the first case was reported by Subang MP Wong on Sep 12, reported Bernama.
The sender had threatened that failure to make payment within three days would result in a fake pornographic video using his face being released on social media.
Senator Nelson W Angang, Kulim assemblyman Wong and Sungai Petani MP Taufiq Johari subsequently lodged police reports, all of which indicated they received a similar demand.
“The Royal Malaysia Police is treating these reports with the utmost seriousness,” said Kumar, as quoted by local media outlets.
“We will take strict, comprehensive and uncompromising action against any party involved in producing, distributing or using such material.”
All reports on the blackmail attempts are being investigated under Section 385 of the Penal Code for blackmail and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 on the improper use of network facilities or services, said Kumar, as reported by news agency Bernama.
If convicted under Section 385, offenders may face up to seven years in prison, a fine, whipping or a combination of these punishments. Meanwhile, Section 233 carries a maximum penalty of RM500,000 and up to two years in prison, according to Malay Mail.
Kumar added that the police are working with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to track down the sender of the emails and other relevant information for further investigation.
Checks revealed the emails used almost the same wording, had the same screenshots and are believed to have been sent from the same email address, said Communications Minister Fahmi at the “Bakti Komuniti Madani” event to promote community service in Penang on Sunday.
He said that the government viewed these incidents seriously and has instructed the MCMC to work closely with the police to track down those responsible for the email threats, which were apparently made via Gmail.
Fahmi said his ministry would seek Google’s help to identify the party responsible for creating and sending the emails.
In a Facebook post, Fahmi also shared a screenshot of the email he received on Sep 12, which appeared to be from a Gmail address.
