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MCMC unveils strengthened standards for prepaid SIM registration

The newly released Public Inquiry Report outlines key measures, including biometric verification and MyDigital ID integration, to curb fraud and improve security in Malaysia's prepaid services.

4:10 PM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has today released its Public Inquiry (PI) Report on the proposed Commission Determination for Mandatory Standards regarding the registration of prepaid end-users.

This move is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to address the rising concerns of fraudulent activities, such as online scams, linked to weak prepaid SIM card registration practices.

The Public Inquiry (PI) was conducted under section 65 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA 1998), following the publication of the PI Paper on 14 October 2025. The inquiry, which lasted for 45 days until November 28, 2025, attracted 15 submissions — 10 from service providers and five from members of the public. This feedback has played a significant role in shaping the final regulatory framework.

“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,” the MCMC said in a statement

“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.”

To address these gaps, MCMC has proposed a series of key measures, including the introduction of secure automated registration platforms, biometric authentication, and clearer responsibilities for service providers and dealers. These measures aim to safeguard against fraudulent registrations and prevent the improper use of prepaid services.

A notable enhancement in this new framework is the integration of MyDigital ID as a verification mechanism for self-registration. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader digital identity efforts and promises to offer higher assurance for prepaid registration, ensuring better traceability and accountability of end-users.

The proposal has received broad support from both industry players and the public, with many recognizing the importance of implementing stronger safeguards to protect consumers and reinforce trust in digital services.

MCMC’s commitment to transparent regulatory development is evident in its decision to publish the PI Report, summarising all feedback and presenting its final policy stance. In the coming weeks, MCMC plans to issue the Mandatory Standards as a Commission Determination, set to be formally registered by February 2026, accompanied by a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document to guide service providers and the public.

With the increasing reliance on digital services, the government’s new measures are designed to build a more secure and trustworthy digital ecosystem for Malaysian consumers.

For more information, the full Public Inquiry Report can be accessed at https://mcmc.gov.my/en/resources/reports/public-inquiry-report/public-inquiryreport-on-the-new-commission-determ – January 28, 2026

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