KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 ― The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the police are investigating a report claiming that the personal data of millions of Malaysians had been stolen and was being sold online.

In a statement today, the MCMC also explained why it ordered Lowyat.net to remove its report titled "Personal data of millions of Malaysians up for sale, sources of breach still unknown”.

"MCMC together with the police are investigating reports that there are advertisements for the sale of personal data which is suspected to have been obtained illegally.

"As a preventive measure, the MCMC has asked the administrator of Lowyat.net to bring down the advertisement of the sale,” MCMC said.

It added that Lowyat.net had complied with the order and removed the said article.

"MCMC calls on the public to not speculate until authorities have completed their investigation.”

According to the report, millions of personal data of Malaysians was allegedly stolen between 2012 to 2015.

The Personal Data Protection Commission had reportedly said it is investigating the matter.