Technology · Malaysia Bureau
Telcos ordered to explain mass phone line registrations under single identities
Malaysia's communications minister has given telecommunications companies until today to clarify allegations that they registered multiple phone lines under individual names, a practice that could facilitate fraud and identity misuse.
LSN Malaysia ·
PETALING JAYA — Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has demanded immediate explanations from telecommunications companies regarding claims of mass registration of phone lines under single identities.
The minister set a deadline for telcos to respond to the allegations, which have raised concerns about potential vulnerabilities in the country's telecommunications regulatory framework and consumer protection mechanisms.
The practice of registering multiple lines under one person's identity could enable various fraudulent activities, including SIM swap attacks, financial crimes, and unauthorized use of telecommunications services. Industry observers have noted that such registrations typically violate established protocols requiring individual identity verification for each line activation.
The directive underscores growing scrutiny of telco practices in Malaysia, particularly regarding compliance with registration requirements and customer verification procedures. Authorities have previously flagged concerns about lax enforcement of telecommunications regulations that could compromise consumer data security and facilitate criminal activities.
Telecommunications regulators are expected to review the responses from service providers and determine whether additional enforcement measures or regulatory changes are necessary to prevent similar incidents in future.