(Miri, 11th) Miri MP Chiew Choon Man stated that the Miri MP's office wants to emphasize to the public to always be wary of SMS messages containing URL links, personal information requests, or phone numbers. We have received multiple inquiries and complaints from local residents about such information, fearing that these messages contain elements of fraud.
He said, according to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) regulations, starting from September 1, 2024, prohibited content in text messages, including links (hyperlinks) and personal information requests, will be banned to protect users from cybercrime.
“If the public receives a suspicious text message, consider the message high-risk and possibly containing fraudulent elements, and report the message to MCMC through the website aduan.mcmc.gov.my, providing crucial information such as the sender's phone number, a screenshot of the message, and the location received.
He pointed out that besides SMS, suspicious messages may also be sent through other applications like WhatsApp, Telegram, Google RCS, or Apple iMessage. Reports can be made to the platform providers or directly to MCMC.
“As the MP for Miri, I also recommend that the Malaysian government enact stricter laws to combat cyber fraud. The measures taken by Singapore are worth emulating, as Singaporean police have the authority to freeze bank accounts suspected of involvement in fraud. This approach provides more 'enforcement power' to protect citizens from monetary losses due to fraud.”
He said, I will bring this issue to Parliament next month and urge the government to empower the police and enforcement agencies like MCMC with broader powers to quickly act against cyber fraud. Moreover, a new law should be enacted to allow the immediate freezing of bank accounts of fraud suspects before more victims fall prey, and enhance awareness campaigns to increase public knowledge of scamming tactics.
“We are committed to ensuring that digital security for Malaysians, including the people of Miri, remains a top priority. The public is advised to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.”
“If the public receives a suspicious text message, consider the message high-risk and possibly containing fraudulent elements, and report the message to MCMC through the website aduan.mcmc.gov.my, providing crucial information such as the sender's phone number, a screenshot of the message, and the location received.
He pointed out that besides SMS, suspicious messages may also be sent through other applications like WhatsApp, Telegram, Google RCS, or Apple iMessage. Reports can be made to the platform providers or directly to MCMC.
“As the MP for Miri, I also recommend that the Malaysian government enact stricter laws to combat cyber fraud. The measures taken by Singapore are worth emulating, as Singaporean police have the authority to freeze bank accounts suspected of involvement in fraud. This approach provides more 'enforcement power' to protect citizens from monetary losses due to fraud.”
He said, I will bring this issue to Parliament next month and urge the government to empower the police and enforcement agencies like MCMC with broader powers to quickly act against cyber fraud. Moreover, a new law should be enacted to allow the immediate freezing of bank accounts of fraud suspects before more victims fall prey, and enhance awareness campaigns to increase public knowledge of scamming tactics.
“We are committed to ensuring that digital security for Malaysians, including the people of Miri, remains a top priority. The public is advised to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.”