2.1 billion scam calls blocked since 2022
During the same period, the Communications Ministry said 2.1 billion unsolicited SMS messages were also blocked, while services for 184,289 mobile and fixed lines involved in distributing suspicious messages were terminated.
The ministry said social media service providers, at the request of MCMC, have removed 112,734 fraudulent content items and blocked seven scam-related websites from Jan 1, 2024 until Aug 1 this year.
"These actions were based on complaints received as well as each platform's community guidelines, in accordance with local laws," the ministry said in a written parliamentary reply yesterday.
A directive prohibiting illicit content in SMS, including hyperlinks requesting personal information and callback numbers, has been enforced since Sept 1, 2024.
The ministry, through MCMC, is also working with the police by providing technical support for online fraud investigations.
This includes facilitating the takedown of social media content, blocking scam-related websites, offering user profiling data and conducting digital forensic analysis.
"This measure aims to protect users and curb scam-related crimes, where SMS services are often exploited by criminals impersonating public or private entities to deceive the public," the ministry said.
Under Section 233(1) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588), it is an offence to disseminate false content with the intent to commit fraud or deceive any person.
Offenders can be fined up to RM500,000, jailed for up to two years, or both. They may also face an extra RM5,000 fine for each day the offence continues.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Police probe viral video on alleged molestation of girl by Bangladeshi worker
KUALA LUMPUR: Police are investigating a viral video where a man alleges his nine-year-old daughter was molested by a Bangladeshi worker. The video, uploaded by X user @Negeri09, suggested the worker touched the girl's chest and sexually harassed her. It also contained violent elements. Kajang police chief, Assistant Commissioner Naazron Abdul Yusof, said in a statement today that the case is being investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code and Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017. Voluntarily causing hurt under the Penal Code carries a maximum punishment of one year's imprisonment, a fine of up to RM2,000, or both. Physical sexual assault on a child under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act carries a maximum imprisonment of 20 years and discretionary whipping. The police chief said the victim's 32-year-old Malaysian father lodged a report on March 12, 2025, alleging his daughter was molested by the migrant worker at a convenience store in Kajang. "The molestation was believed to have occurred on Feb 27, 2025. A police report was made two weeks later after the victim shared the incident on March 11, 2025. "The witnesses in this case are still being tracked down to assist with investigations as there is no closed-circuit television footage at the scene," he said.
New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Police probe man who hoisted Jalur Gemilang upside down in Kepala Batas
KEPALA BATAS: Police have launched an investigation after a video showing a man hoisting the Jalur Gemilang upside down went viral on social media today. The video, posted on Facebook around 12.30pm, shows the man raising the national flag incorrectly while another individual recorded the incident. The complainant, who spotted the video, suspected the incident took place in Kepala Batas and lodged a police report at the Kepala Batas police station. Seberang Prai Utara district police chief Assistant Commissioner Anuar Abd Rahman confirmed in a statement tonight that investigations are ongoing. "Statements have been recorded from the complainant and individuals involved. "The case is being probed under Section 5 of the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act 1963, Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998," he said. Anuar urged the public not to sensationalise the incident, as it could disrupt public order and hamper police investigations. Anyone with information is urged to contact investigating officer Inspector Safwan Hashim at 04-576 2222 (ext: 2275) or the nearest police station. Various quarters have since lashed out at the duo for their actions.
The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
Immigration matters must go through official channels warns DG
PUTRAJAYA: All immigration matters must be processed through official channels, either at Immigration Department counters or via the official online portal. No officer or third party is permitted to handle applications outside the approved procedures. Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban issued the reminder after a video went viral on social media. The video showed a married couple claiming they paid RM5,000 to a 'Datuk' to arrange a Temporary Employment Visit Pass (PLKS) for their detained sibling. Investigations revealed the digital pass (ePASS) in question was suspected to be fake due to a tampered QR code. A cross-check using the MyIMMs system found no PLKS record linked to the passport number provided. 'JIM strongly refutes the viral allegation and views seriously any attempt to deceive the public,' Zakaria said. He urged victims of such scams to report to the police or the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). Further investigations will identify the source of the misinformation and ensure legal action is taken. 'JIM will not compromise with any individual who attempts to tarnish the department's reputation or deceive the public,' he added. - Bernama
