MORE than 2.1 billion suspicious calls and unsolicited SMS messages have been blocked by the authorities since 2022 in an ongoing campaign against online scams, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil disclosed in Parliamant.
In a written parliamentary reply, Fahmi said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC)—working closely with telecoms and social media platforms—had also taken down 112,734 fraudulent online contents and blocked seven scam-related websites to date.
“These actions are in response to complaints received and are aligned with community guidelines and local laws,” he said, replying to a question from Datuk Siti Aminah Aching (BN–Beaufort) on government efforts to curb scams and fraudulent websites.
Fahmi noted that as of September 2024, stricter controls were introduced on SMS communications, banning hyperlinks that request personal details or prompt callbacks. “We aim to protect users from exploitation by criminals who impersonate various entities,” he said.
Legal and regulatory upgrades
He added that amendments to Section 233(1) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588) now criminalise the dissemination of false content with fraudulent intent, with fines of up to RM500,000 or two years’ imprisonment, or both.
“Our legal framework is designed to deter such offences effectively,” he said.
In a significant regulatory shift, internet messaging and social media service providers are now required to obtain an Application Service Provider Class Licence (ASP(C)) under Act 588, effective January 2025.
This measure, Fahmi said, ensures “a higher standard of accountability” among service providers operating in Malaysia.
MCMC also introduced a Code of Conduct for Internet Messaging and Social Media Service Providers in December 2024, which sets out guidelines to “foster a safer online environment”.
Education and enforcement
The ministry’s efforts extend beyond enforcement into education. Fahmi announced that the Safe Internet Campaign, launched in January 2025, aims to improve digital security awareness across 10,000 schools and higher education institutions nationwide.
Meanwhile, the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC)—led by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM)—continues to serve as the central hub** for scam-related coordination and rapid response.
“The NSRC is pivotal in our national strategy, not only serving as a one-stop action centre but also in driving public awareness programmes and national campaigns on digital crime,” Fahmi said. - August 8, 2025
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