20-05-2025
QuickCheck: Was DBKL's online service system hacked and held for a USD55mil ransom?
IN AN era where cyber threats are increasingly common, reports of digital breaches can cause alarm and confusion.
Recent claims have surfaced suggesting that Kuala Lumpur City Hall's (DBKL) online service system was hacked and held for ransom.
Is it true that DBKL's system was compromised and a USD55mil (RM236.17mil) ransom demanded?
Verdict:
FALSE
DBKL has denied claims that its online service system was hacked and held hostage for ransom.
According to Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif, while DBKL's online service system did experience technical disruptions, there was no ransom demand involved.
"There was indeed a system disruption, but it had nothing to do with money (ransom demand) from anyone," said Dr Maimunah.
The disruptions affected 39 systems, including the e-housing, e-licence, e-complaint, and e-booking systems, all of which have returned to normal since May 1.
Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa also confirmed that no reports of such a claim have been received by the police.
The misinformation originated from a report in a Chinese-language newspaper, which cited a Member of Parliament alleging that DBKL's system was hacked with a ransom demand of RM236.17mil.
The MP reportedly claimed to have received the information from a reliable source and expressed confidence in the occurrence of the incident.
It is crucial to rely on official statements and verified information, especially when navigating reports of cyber security incidents.
In this case, both DBKL and the Kuala Lumpur police have confirmed that the claims of hacking and ransom are unfounded.
References:
Bernama
