The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is awaiting a response from Meta over complaints involving WhatsApp accounts that have allegedly been hacked, taken over or blocked, leaving users unable to access them.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said Meta had requested more time to examine the technical aspects of the issue before responding to MCMC.
“Meta has promised to provide feedback this afternoon at 3pm. They have asked for some time to investigate the technical aspects of the issue,” he said after officiating the launch of BeOne Mobile and its Community Empowerment Programme today.
Fahmi said users whose WhatsApp accounts had been taken over or blocked could lodge official complaints with MCMC for further action.
He said such complaints would allow MCMC to engage directly with Meta and seek assistance in restoring affected accounts.
“For example, we have received cases involving account takeovers, where another individual or a hacker takes control of the account.
“Cases like these can be reported officially to MCMC so that, based on the complaint, we can contact Meta and request their assistance,” he said.
Fahmi added that the issue was not limited to WhatsApp, with complaints involving other platforms such as Telegram and Instagram also able to be referred to MCMC.
“We will wait and see whether Meta provides the response as promised,” he said.
Meanwhile, Fahmi said BeOne Mobile is a new mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that uses the Maxis network.
He said BeOne Mobile’s efforts to engage with communities and develop groups of entrepreneurs as agents could create opportunities for Malaysians to generate additional income.
By leveraging the Maxis network, the service is also expected to provide consumers with more choices within the country’s telecommunications ecosystem.
Fahmi said the development would give Malaysians greater flexibility in choosing telecommunications services based on their individual needs and affordability.
