MCMC: Telcos fined RM750k for false prepaid SIM card registration

MCMC has issued 70 compounds totalling RM3.45mil so far this year, 16% higher than last year. — YAP CHEE HONG/ The Star.

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) issued 15 compounds totalling RM750,000 to five telcos for registering prepaid SIM cards without verifying user information.

In a statement, the regulatory body said Digi Telecommunications received five compounds totalling RM250,000, Maxis Broadband received four totalling RM200,000 and U Mobile received three totalling RM150,000.

Tune Talk was issued two compounds totalling RM150,000 and YTL Communications received one amounting to RM50,000.

The compounds were issued based on audits conducted in Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu in August and October last year.

MCMC said it has issued 70 compounds totalling RM3.45mil so far this year, 16% higher than last year which saw 58 compounds amounting to RM2.9mil issued for the same offence.

It said stern measures have been taken to protect consumers due to increasing reports of online scams and other fraud-related cases.

Registering prepaid SIM cards without conducting the process of verifying user information is an offence under Section 127 of the Communications and Multimedia 1998 Act which stipulates a fine of no more than RM100,000 or two years' imprisonment, or both upon conviction.

According to MCMC’s guidelines, it's mandatory for service providers and dealers to use encrypted and secure automated platforms such as MyKad and biometric readers to verify identification documents provided by applicants.