KUALA LUMPUR (March 27): Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Dr Johari Abdul has advised the public to be cautious of a scam syndicate misusing his name and mobile number to deceive victims.

Johari said the syndicate had been sending WhatsApp messages to thousands of individuals in his contact list, requesting financial assistance with a promise of repayment.

According to him, the syndicate used his phone number and WhatsApp profile picture, making the messages appear as though they were genuinely from him.

Johari said he became aware of the incident on March 25 while abroad, after receiving inquiries from acquaintances who had received such messages.

"I was in Cambodia on an official visit at the time. When I returned that night, a friend who was on the same flight showed me the message," he told a press conference at the Parliament building on Thursday.

Upon his return to Malaysia, he received numerous messages and calls regarding the matter, including from a victim who had transferred RM20,000, believing the message was genuinely from him.

Johari urged those who had transferred money to the syndicate’s account to lodge a police report immediately, and submit a copy of the report and transaction receipt to the Speaker’s Office in Parliament for further action.

"I will also discuss this matter with the police and the MCMC (Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission), as this issue not only involves me but could happen to anyone.

"I was informed by the MCMC that the syndicate may have gained access to my phone information through a link sent via a digital invitation or other messages containing malware," he said.

For further inquiries, contact the Speaker’s press secretary, Shaira Amira Jamal Abdul Nasir, at (03) 2601 7462.

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