by FAYYADH JAAFAR / Pic source: Syahredzan Johan’s Facebook

DAP’S Social Media Bureau chairman Syahredzan Johan (picture) is calling for a thorough investigation into the alleged sale of 22 million Malaysians’ personal data, saying the data breach could compromise the citizens’ safety.

“This is not the first time the personal data of Malaysians has been offered for sale to the public. 

“Last year, there were allegations of personal data leaks involving four million pieces of data contained in the National Registration Department (NRD) and the Inland Revenue Board’s (IRB) databases,” he said in a statement today.

According to Syahredzan, this latest incident would definitely cause anxiety and concern among the public. 

“If it is true that personal information from the databases of departments and public bodies is getting out, it is a serious security breach that puts the public at risk of fraud, identity theft and it can even hurt national security.

“It raises once again the question of the security and integrity of data and information stored in databases operated by public bodies such as the NRD and the EC (Election Commission),” he added.

Citing examples of previous cases where personal data was leaked, Syahredzan said authorities were urged to conduct a transparent and thorough investigation to identify whether there was any information leakage.

He added that at the same time, the government should not take such allegations lightly, as they involve public confidence in the security of personal data stored in the databases of statutory bodies, departments and government agencies.

“Data security systems for entities such as NRD and EC should be constantly improved to ensure that the information and data stored are secure.

“To this end, the government is also urged to review the effectiveness of the security system for the storage of personal data of Malaysians,” he said.

There have been recent news reports of a group of hackers claiming to have personal details of 22.5 million Malaysians stolen from the NRD and EC, which included full names, ID card numbers, addresses and even photographs.

The databases were sold at US$10,000 (RM44,000) per database. 

In September last year, it was reported that personal data belonging to four million Malaysians had been leaked from the NRD and the IRB.