KUALA LUMPUR: A government lawmaker has raised concerns over the ease with which third parties can obtain personal data, sharing his experience of receiving a dubious phone call.
Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias (Barisan Nasional-Jelebu) said he received three phone calls from an individual claiming to be a bank officer from Johor on Monday (July 15).
He said the "officer" even confirmed his national identification card number, bank account number, and the branch where the account was opened.
"I challenged them to meet me in Parliament but they said it was not their duty. I then asked what was required.
"Later, they said the conversation was recorded and would be sent to the Johor Police Headquarters and an arrest warrant would be issued against me.
"Even then, I challenged the person to issue it as soon as possible," he said when debating the Personal Data Protection Bill (Amendments) on Tuesday (July 16).
He then questioned how people’s personal data could be obtained by third parties.
"If I was a victim, what more about everyone else’s personal data who may be exposed to bad hats," he said.
Jalaluddin then asked the Home Ministry why it was difficult to trace numbers associated with scam calls.
"This is a crucial aspect to look at," he said.