KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has always taken proactive measures and is constantly improving its existing procedure in relation to the handling of recycled phone numbers in the country, said Fahmi Fadzil.
Addressing the Dewan Rakyat, today, the communications and digital minister said that the practice of recycling phone numbers is part of an existing policy under Numbering and Electronic Addressing Plan 2023, where it ensures every assigned number is reused wisely and carefully to avoid any wastage.
“The inactive numbers will undergo a quarantine or cooling off period for at least six months, before it is recycled for new users.
“This practice is common, as other countries such as the United States practise its quarantine period for 45 days, Australia for six months and Singapore for 90 days.
“Although measures to reduce problems and risks are in place, MCMC cannot prevent banks or any services from storing their customers’ personal data.
“But instead, users should always update their phone number information with banks or any service provider,” he said.
He was responding to Rodziah Ismail (Ampang-PH) who questioned if the government would set up a policy to permanently terminate recycled numbers for users’ safety and comfort, regardless of whether the numbers were postpaid or prepaid.
Fahmi, in his reply, also advised users, who found themselves to have been using recycled phone numbers, should be aware and block any unknown numbers, by using existing “block functions” in their mobile phones.
“If the users receive calls that threaten their safety, then they (new recycled phone number users) are recommended to lodge a police report immediately.
“The users can also report the matter to the National Scam Response Centre if they are faced with fraudulent crime,” he added. – October 24, 2023