GE14 | The Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is investigating complaints of scam phone calls after a number of complaints from Pakatan Harapan and BN politicians.

In a statement, it warned that stern action will be taken against the perpetrators after initial investigations pointed to bot attacks by various anonymous sources.

"MCMC has been receiving numerous complaints today of phones ringing and then the call drops. This is being experienced repeatedly by all parties.

"Our initial investigation points to a technical cause of a bot attack which is initiated anonymously from various sources with differing targets, irrespective of the political parties (of the victims)," the commission said.

The MCMC called upon those responsible to immediately cease its activities as it could jeopardise the telecommunications network and could result in a "security risk."

"For those getting such calls from unknown numbers, please be advised to not answer it," it added.

Read more: Hackers spoil the day for Harapan, BN leaders

The MCMC said it and service providers are continuing to investigate these cases, and in the event the perpetrators are identified, the commission will take stern action as provided by the law.

"MCMC and the service providers are continuing to investigate and in the event that the initiator(s) is identified, MCMC will take stern action as provided by the law."

Meanwhile, inspector-general of police Mohamad Fuzi Harun confirmed that the police will also be investigating the attacks.

"The police will conduct a detailed investigation into the matter with the cooperation of the MCMC," Fuzi said in a statement.

He added that the attacks were meant to disrupt the election process and paralyse the communication system.

Both Harapan and BN leaders have taken to social media to complain of the attacks, which began early in the day even before polling began.

Some, including PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, said even their handphones, emails and Facebook accounts were hacked as early as 6am today.