Telcos must explain excessive prepaid line registrations

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil is set to question telecom companies about claims that a large number of prepaid mobile lines are being registered under people's names, potentially for malicious purposes. The issue was highlighted by Datuk Nadzim Johan, chief activist at the Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia (PPIM). Nadzim alleged that individuals have found numerous unregistered phone lines under their names, with one case involving 18 lines under a 70-year-old man's name despite his having only one line.

The minister has requested information to take appropriate action, and if the claims prove true, telecom executives will have to explain themselves. The government has already implemented safeguards, such as requiring verification of prepaid line registrations through the MyDigital ID system. Fahmi emphasized that the measures are crucial as some registered phone numbers have been used for illegal activities, sometimes by foreigners or unidentified individuals.

He also noted instances where MyKad details were used for registration. Nadzim pointed out that PPIM has received reports of up to 400 lines registered under a single name, which were later sold to scammers. This practice can result in financial consequences for victims, including damaged credit records when unpaid bills for unauthorized lines affect their credit history.