Malaysia

MCMC orders telcos to block URL links in SMS to combat scams

Directive to come into effect in phases, says deputy comms minister

Updated 3 years ago · Published on 01 Apr 2023 1:52PM

MCMC orders telcos to block URL links in SMS to combat scams
Speaking about RTM’s 77th anniversary, Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching says RTM, which has great potential, will continue to be a loyal friend to its audience and will ensure that listeners get the latest news fast. – Bernama pic, April 1, 2023

KUALA LUMPUR – The Communications and Digital Ministry, through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), has issued a directive to all telecommunication companies (telcos) to block any URL link in text messages (SMS).

Its deputy minister Teo Nie Ching said the instruction was given to prevent consumers from becoming victims of online fraud.

“MCMC has given this directive to telco companies to ensure that no one mistakenly presses the URL and possibly ends up as victim (of a scam).

“Several online scams happen when people mistakenly press on the link, and after giving their personal information, they find themselves being scammed,” s​​he told reporters after appearing as a guest on Ai FM in conjunction with RTM’s 77th anniversary celebration here today.

However, she said the directive would come into effect in phases and hoped that the companies involved would be able to implement the directive soon.

Meanwhile, speaking about RTM’s 77th anniversary, Teo said RTM, which has great potential, will continue to be a loyal friend to its audience and will ensure that listeners get the latest news fast.

April 1 this year marks over seven decades of RTM’s role as “teman setia anda” catering to all ages, as it continues to be the voice connecting the government and the public through six TV channels and 34 radio stations. – Bernama, April 1, 2023

Related News

Malaysia / 1w

Desa ParkCity deaths: Netizens voice concern, call for increased enforcement, crackdowns on scammers

Malaysia / 2w

Scam syndicates increasingly organised, like multinationals – police

Malaysia / 1mth

Over 3 billion suspicious SMS, 2.5 billion fraudulent calls blocked by MCMC

Events / 1mth

International Regulatory Conference (IRC) 2026 offers global platform for dialogue

Malaysia / 3mth

DAP’s Marina rubbishes claims of being ‘bought over’

Malaysia / 3mth

Malaysia begins enforcing social media age verification

Spotlight

Malaysia

MP calls on US to take legal action against Hadi over ‘plot to topple government’ statement

By Ian McIntyre

Malaysia

Malaysia needs to master its own technology - PM Anwar

Malaysia

RM2.48m lost daily to investment fraud syndicates since 2023

Malaysia

Rising bond rates are a sign of rising debt

Education

Selangor to close schools if API readings exceed 200

Malaysia

Loke: Keep Anwar as PM to complete reform agenda

Malaysia

Investigations into political leaders not driven by spite or political payback - PM

You may be interested

Malaysia

Jamil Khir released after seven-day remand in Tabung Haji RCI probe

Malaysia

Plot to topple government: Probe not only Hadi, but Takiyuddin and Samsuri also, says Rayer

By Ian McIntyre

Malaysia

Care burden remains major barrier to women entering politics, study finds

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Melaka CM hints at state assembly dissolution being ‘two Fridays’ away

Malaysia

Bathroom peeping allegation uncovers four-year-old molestation claim against stepfather

Malaysia

Rising bond rates are a sign of rising debt

Malaysia

MP calls on US to take legal action against Hadi over ‘plot to topple government’ statement

By Ian McIntyre

Malaysia

King reviews Auditor-General’s Reports on government finances and governance