Malaysia

[UPDATED] MCMC blocked 1.8 bil scam calls from 2017-2022: Fahmi

Comms minister says 300 mil fraudulent SMSes also barred since 2018

Updated 3 years ago · Published on 22 Jan 2023 2:05PM

[UPDATED] MCMC blocked 1.8 bil scam calls from 2017-2022: Fahmi
Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil advises those who have fallen prey to scams to call the National Scam Response Centre at 997 to make a report. – AZIM RAHMAN/The Vibes file pic, January 22, 2023

KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) blocked 1.8 billion scam calls from 2017 to last year, said Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

Fahmi said he was informed about the matter during his meeting with the National Anti-Financial Crime Centre together with the MCMC and several other parties.

He said that since 2018, a total of 300 million scam messages via SMS had been blocked.

“Please be careful during this festive season (because) there will definitely be those who will take advantage of the situation,” he told reporters after attending MCA’s Chinese New Year open house at the party’s headquarters here today.

Fahmi also advised those who had fallen for scams to call the National Scam Response Centre at 997 to make a report so that immediate action can be taken and to prevent them from losing money.

There are various types of scams at the moment which are not easy to deal with because new types emerge when a modus operandi is established, said Fahmi.

“During this festive season, scams such as ‘cleaner scams’ (will emerge) on Facebook, for example, so we have to be careful.

“If you get any offer, whether for work or services, please double check. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is – and make a police report and call 997 so that we can help,” he said.

On scams on the Telegram messaging app, Fahmi said he would try to contact its officials to discuss prevention measures. – Bernama, January 22, 2023

Related News

Malaysia / 1w

Malaysia begins enforcing social media age verification

Malaysia / 2w

Thailand moves to stop lawsuits from being used to silence critics

Malaysia / 2w

Uploading videos: Social media users need to understand limits, avoid disrupting investigations – Fahmi

Malaysia / 2w

Online fraud: Number of cases, losses continue to rise – deputy minister

Malaysia / 1mth

Indians in Malaysia less likely to fall for scams, says police

Malaysia / 2mth

Malaysia scam losses rise to RM2.7b in 2025, spike during festive seasons

Spotlight

Malaysia

Anwar congratulates Modi on becoming India's longest-serving elected PM

Malaysia

Missing jewellery: Rosmah ordered to pay RM67.5 million

People

Malay kampongs in Bangkok: Echoes of southern heritage in Thailand’s capital

Opinion

Johor MB’s exclusionary rhetoric betrays the people, exposes UMNO’s political hypocrisy

Malaysia

Johor and NS polls first major test of post PAS-Bersatu political order

Malaysia

Claimed installation of 12th N. Sembilan ruler invalid - Pengelola Bijaya Diraja

Malaysia

4WD driver who drove backwards on highway nabbed, positive for drugs (video)

By Ian McIntyre

Malaysia

Seven in ten Malaysian workers earn RM5k or less - economist

You may be interested

Malaysia

Johor, Negeri Sembilan seat talks enter final stage as PH awaits Anwar’s return

Malaysia

Authorities previously raided viral ‘illegal flat’ linked to Rohingya settlement claims

Malaysia

Jeweller vows to pursue Rosmah until ‘every penny’ is recovered as RM67.5m battle enters enforcement phase

Malaysia

Ambulance carrying two injured men crashes en route to hospital after MPV collision in Besut

Malaysia

Fiscal deficit target under pressure as surging subsidy costs test Malaysia’s consolidation plans

Malaysia

Attorney General defends JAC appointment of Federal Court judge in Bar challenge

Malaysia

Grandfather risks life to save nine family members as fire destroys home

Malaysia

Santiago pokes holes in data centre hype, asks: Who really benefits?

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir