MCMC said weaknesses in current prepaid registration processes has led to widespread misuse of SIM cards for fraudulent activities, including online scams. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) published its Public Inquiry Report today (Jan 28) on the proposed standards for the registration of end-users of prepaid public cellular services.
MCMC said the feedback from the Public Inquiry exercise has indicated broad and consistent support from the industry and public for stronger safeguards in prepaid registration, where more robust requirements are necessary to protect consumers and strengthen trust in digital services.
The proposed Mandatory Standards will introduce key measures to enhance the security, integrity and accountability of prepaid SIM registrations.
This includes secure automated registration platforms, biometric authentication and outline of clearer responsibilities for service providers and dealers to prevent fraudulent registrations.
It added that a key enhancement in the strengthened regulatory framework is MyDigital ID integration as a "verification mechanism for self-registration", applicable for individuals with MyDigital ID.
"This supports the Government’s national digital identity initiative and provides higher assurance for self registrations, reinforcing the integrity and reliability of the prepaid registration process," the MCMC added.
MCMC said weaknesses in current prepaid registration processes has led to widespread misuse of SIM cards for fraudulent activities, including online scams.
"Current self-registration mechanisms, which rely on document uploads, remain vulnerable to forgery and identity theft, while the absence of a secure digital identity anchor limits the traceability and accountability of end-users.
"Collectively, these gaps pose significant risks to consumer safety, national security and the integrity of digital services, necessitating a more secure, uniform and enforceable regulatory framework," it said.
"Following this, MCMC will issue and register the Mandatory Standards as a Commission Determination pursuant to sections 55 and 104(4) of the CMA 1998, together with Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) towards the end of February 2026," MCMC said in a statement.
The 157-page Public Inquiry report on New Commission Determination on the Mandatory Standards for the Registration of End-Users of Prepaid Public Cellular Services is available on the MCMC website.
