KUALA LUMPUR – A directive to ban prohibited content in short message services (SMS) was enforced since yesterday, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced.
In a statement, MCMC said the banned content includes hyperlinks, requests for personal information, and phone numbers for callbacks.
This enforcement is aimed at protecting users from scammers who frequently exploit SMS platforms by impersonating authoritative figures – including public and private entities – to deceive the public, it added.
MCMC also urged the public to remain vigilant against SMS content containing such prohibited elements, warning that messages with the mentioned features should be considered high-risk and potentially fraudulent.
Additionally, MCMC reminded the public to be cautious of similar messages sent through other communication platforms such as Google RCS, Apple iMessage, and online messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram.
Those who continue to receive suspicious SMS are encouraged to file complaints via the MCMC complaint portal at aduan.mcmc.gov.my.
Complainants should include details such as the sender’s phone number or short code, the recipient’s phone number, and screenshots of the received SMS.
On August 14, MCMC said it had directed all telecommunication service providers to immediately block all SMS with prohibited content from being sent out or received by individuals.
However, at that time, the commission had allowed an exemption for relevant essential services, such as businesses with legitimate enterprise shortcodes – to include URLs or personal – information in their SMS for users’ convenience.
Under the September 1 enforcement, this exemption will no longer apply. – September 2, 2024