Malaysian authorities are studying a proposal to require messaging platform WhatsApp to verify account identities and telephone numbers to curb online scam activities, The Edge Malaysia reported on Nov 15.
Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the Communications Ministry is reviewing the feasibility of the measure following an increase in cases involving the misuse of the application by scam syndicates.
The proposal aligns with discussions among member countries of the International Telecommunication Union, Fahmi said. WhatsApp does not currently impose any account verification requirement for its users.
“The Communications Ministry is studying the feasibility of requiring WhatsApp to verify the telephone numbers linked to WhatsApp accounts. At present, WhatsApp does not impose any account verification requirement,” Fahmi said at a press conference on the Senior Citizens’ Safety System Pilot Project at Razak Mansion on Sunday.
Also present at the gathering were Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Fadlun Mak Ujud and Hannah Yeoh, who serves as the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories). Fahmi commented on the recent arrest of 61 suspects by police for impersonating Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission personnel in scam cases, stating that all those involved would be charged in court if found to have violated the law.
Scam syndicates have shifted tactics after the MCMC previously implemented technical changes to block spoofing calls, according to Fahmi. Syndicates now use WhatsApp and offer loans for online gambling activities.
The MCMC and the Communications Ministry never make calls to members of the public regarding outstanding telephone bills or enforcement matters. Telecommunications companies handle billing matters directly.
Fahmi advised the public to immediately end suspicious calls and lodge reports with the police or MCMC. Members of the public may likewise reach out to the National Scam Response Centre by dialing 997, which serves as a central hub for swift collaboration in combating financial fraud over the internet.
The Communications Ministry is working with the Federal Territories Department and Kuala Lumpur City Hall to implement the Senior Citizens’ Safety System Pilot Project for senior citizens living alone at Razak Mansion.
The initial phase will target the installation of monitoring technology in about 25 to 50 residential units at the housing complex. The government will assess the cost and effectiveness of the project before considering expanding it to other locations with similar needs.
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