70,122 prepaid SIM card lines terminated in 2025

MW Community Team · 2026-03-08T00:58:28+08:00

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), under the Ministry of Communications, has reported significant action against the misuse of prepaid SIM cards. In 2025, a total of 70,122 prepaid SIM card lines suspected of being used to send suspicious messages (commonly linked to scams and fraud) were terminated. This represents an almost tenfold increase compared to 7,409 lines terminated in 2024. The sharp rise highlights that misuse of prepaid SIM cards remains a serious and widespread issue. To address this, the Ministry of Communications has introduced updated and stricter guidelines for the purchase and registration of prepaid SIM cards. Key new measures include: Foreign tourists are now limited to purchasing a maximum of 2 prepaid SIM cards per telecommunications company (previously 5). All prepaid SIM cards registered by foreign tourists will be automatically terminated after 3 months to reduce the risk of prolonged misuse for fraudulent activities. Registration now requires the presentation of original identification documents (such as MyKad or passport) together with MyDigital ID or biometric verification (e.g., fingerprint or facial recognition). The use of photocopied documents or registration without the physical presence of the actual owner is no longer permitted. This change aims to prevent dealers from registering SIM cards using false or unauthorised identities. Telecommunications companies and dealers are required to fully comply with these updated guidelines. Non-compliance will result in enforcement action by the authorities. These measures are part of ongoing efforts to make it more difficult for criminals to obtain and operate fraudulent phone numbers, thereby enhancing public protection against online scams and fraud. Have you experienced any changes when purchasing or registering a prepaid SIM card recently? Feel free to share your observations.

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March 8, 2026 at 12:58 am
MW Community Team
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The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), under the Ministry of Communications, has reported significant action against the misuse of prepaid SIM cards.
In 2025, a total of 70,122 prepaid SIM card lines suspected of being used to send suspicious messages (commonly linked to scams and fraud) were terminated. This represents an almost tenfold increase compared to 7,409 lines terminated in 2024.
The sharp rise highlights that misuse of prepaid SIM cards remains a serious and widespread issue. To address this, the Ministry of Communications has introduced updated and stricter guidelines for the purchase and registration of prepaid SIM cards.
Key new measures include:
Foreign tourists are now limited to purchasing a maximum of 2 prepaid SIM cards per telecommunications company (previously 5).
All prepaid SIM cards registered by foreign tourists will be automatically terminated after 3 months to reduce the risk of prolonged misuse for fraudulent activities.
Registration now requires the presentation of original identification documents (such as MyKad or passport) together with MyDigital ID or biometric verification (e.g., fingerprint or facial recognition).
The use of photocopied documents or registration without the physical presence of the actual owner is no longer permitted. This change aims to prevent dealers from registering SIM cards using false or unauthorised identities.
Telecommunications companies and dealers are required to fully comply with these updated guidelines. Non-compliance will result in enforcement action by the authorities.
These measures are part of ongoing efforts to make it more difficult for criminals to obtain and operate fraudulent phone numbers, thereby enhancing public protection against online scams and fraud.
Have you experienced any changes when purchasing or registering a prepaid SIM card recently? Feel free to share your observations.
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2026/03/07/over-70000-prepaid-sim-card-lines-terminated-over-suspected-misuse-in-2025-says-teo
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