Kuala Lumpur:Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil has requested the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to provide a statement clarifying Meta's response concerning issues related to hacked and deactivated WhatsApp accounts.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi noted that he had not yet received an update regarding the discussions between MCMC and Meta on the matter. Meta had been given until 3 pm last Monday to respond to the concerns raised by MCMC about these WhatsApp account issues.

The media previously reported that MCMC was aware of public concerns regarding WhatsApp accounts being hacked, blocked, or inaccessible. The commission stated it was reviewing the complaints and had referred these cases to Meta for further clarification and action.

MCMC highlighted that account takeovers or hacking and account blocking are separate issues. Hacked accounts could be exploited by irresponsible parties for scams or spam, leading to their potential blocking by the platform due to violations of WhatsApp's terms of service.

In another development, Fahmi mentioned that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had directed Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar to engage with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) alumni. The aim is to explore ways to enhance their involvement in government discussions, particularly after a recent meeting between Anwar and the alumni, which included experienced individuals from the corporate sector.