PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is enforcing a directive to block short messaging service or SMS with prohibited content including hyperlinks, personal information requests and callback numbers from Sept 1.

In a statement, the Commission said that the enforcement aims to safeguard users from the growing risk of SMS-based scams, which are frequently exploited by criminals posing as legitimate entities from both the private and public sectors in their attempts to defraud unsuspecting victims.

Any member of the public who is still receiving such an SMS can submit a complaint to MCMC through the website aduan.mcmc.gov.my with details about the phone number or short code, as well as a screenshot of the message received.

Previously, MCMC in a statement on Feb 14 said it has directed all telecommunication service providers to immediately block all SMS with prohibited content from being sent out or received by individuals.

Then it allowed an exemption for relevant essential services such as businesses with legitimate enterprise short code to include URL or personal information for the convenience of users. This exemption no longer applies under the Sept 1 enforcement.

Telcos such as CelcomDigi have announced in an FAQ that the directive to block SMS with prohibited content applies to both local and international Person-to-Person (P2P) SMS and Application-to-Person (A2P)/Enterprise SMS.

The directive will also apply when the user is abroad or using roaming services.

It also said that there are currently no options to access SMS that have been blocked to prevent users from falling victim to possible online scams.

MCMC reminded members of the public to also be aware of messages with URL links, personal information requests and phone numbers sent through other communications platforms such as WhatsApp.

"Suspicious and potentially fraudulent messages can be reported directly to the involved platform provider or to MCMC for further action," it added.

https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2024/09/02/mcmc-bans-sms-with-hyperlinks-callback-numbers-and-personal-info-requests-from-sept-1