PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) successfully took down a syndicate using base station interceptors (BTS) during an operation in the Bukit Chagar area here in Johor Baru on Tuesday, Sinar Harian reported.
A BTS is used to spoof and intercept a telecommunication base station's signal in order to transmit fake messages to phones detected in the area.
In a statement, the MCMC said the operation was carried out after receiving information, as well as technical monitoring and network analysis, which detected patterns of telecommunications network interception and distribution of fake short message services (SMS) to users.
"In an integrated operation conducted with telecommunications service providers, the enforcement team identified an individual and a vehicle used as a platform for transmitting with BTS.
"On-site inspections confirmed the use of uncertified communication devices capable of bypassing legitimate networks and sending fake SMS directly to nearby user devices," the statement said.
The MCMC added that the information obtained showed the individuals involved were recruited to operate BTS devices through job offers with daily pay.
They added that this was a tactic used by the syndicate to expand its operations without revealing the true structure of its network.
"This discovery confirms the existence of a syndicate network that targets users in public areas, thus increasing the risk of fraud and threatening the integrity of the country's telecommunications system," the statement said.
Action is taken under Section 239(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 [Act 588] and Regulation 16(1)(b), the Communications and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2000.
For offences under Section 239 Act 588, a person convicted of an offence can be fined up to RM1 million or imprisoned for up to 10 years or both.
For offences under Regulation 16, Communications and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2000, the perpetrator can be fined a maximum of RM300,000 or imprisoned for up to three years or both.
The MCMC also said it would not compromise on any form of misuse of communications networks by irresponsible syndicates.
MCMC will continue to strengthen its technical monitoring efforts and strict enforcement in order to protect users while ensuring the security as well as the reliability of the country's communications networks.
In January, the MCMC had detected and shut down an illegal base transceiver station in Genting Highlands, Pahang, used for fraudulent purposes.
On Jan 19, 2026, an MCMC team successfully detected two vehicles being used to carry out transmission activities of the fake base station.
