The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is set to tighten the guidelines for registering prepaid SIM cards in the country, with the new rules expected to take effect in the first quarter of next year.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching explained that under current guidelines established in 2017, each individual can register up to five prepaid numbers per telecom provider, which allows a relatively large number of SIM cards per person.
“MCMC is now conducting a public consultation proposing a new limit of a maximum of two prepaid numbers per telco for Malaysian citizens,” she said in response to a parliamentary question today. “For foreigners, they will also only be allowed to hold two prepaid numbers, regardless of the telco used.”
The tightening of the rules aims to reduce the misuse of prepaid SIM cards, which are often registered for fake social media accounts, scams, spreading false information, or harassment.
Teo added that the public consultation is expected to conclude by the end of November, and MCMC targets full implementation of the new guidelines in the first quarter of next year.
These changes are part of broader efforts by MCMC to strengthen digital forensic capabilities and encourage responsible use of AI and online platforms.
