Kota Kinabalu (Feb 27) - The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has enforced a new mandatory standard to strengthen the registration process for prepaid SIM cards, in a move aimed at addressing online scams, identity theft and fraudulent registrations.
The Commission Determination on the Mandatory Standard for the Registration of End Users of Public Cellular Prepaid Services was officially registered on Feb 26 under Sections 55 and 104(1)(b) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA 1998). According to MCMC, the enhanced framework is designed to improve consumer protection by reducing identity misuse and unauthorised SIM usage, while maintaining safe and accessible mobile services.
Although stricter in certain areas, the five-SIM ownership cap for citizens and permanent residents per service provider remains unchanged. This limit has been in place since the updated prepaid SIM registration guidelines introduced in 2017. The same five-SIM cap also applies to temporary residents. Non-citizens, however, are limited to two prepaid SIM cards per telecommunications provider.
Among the key updates is the introduction of a more secure registration framework. Self-registration now requires identification documents along with verification through MyDigital ID. The new system will incorporate biometric verification, including biometric-based passport checks for non-citizens. Service providers must also use secure automated platforms to minimise fraudulent registrations.
The mandatory standard sets additional consumer protection measures. Children below 12 years old are not allowed to register SIM cards. For those aged between 12 and 17, registration must be carried out by parents or guardians, with the child’s name permanently listed as the user and parental details and consent recorded. Activation of a prepaid SIM before completing the registration process is strictly prohibited.
Under the new rules, telecommunications providers are required to inform users of their registration status within 12 hours. Tourist SIM cards will be valid for a maximum of three months before being automatically terminated.
MCMC has reminded service providers and authorised distributors to comply fully and promptly with the standard, warning that failure to do so may result in regulatory action. Consumers are advised to register prepaid SIM cards only through licensed providers and authorised distributors and to be cautious of unauthorised registration channels.
Impact on Sabahans
For Sabahans, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where prepaid SIM usage is common, the tighter rules aim to enhance security against scams and identity misuse, which have affected many mobile users nationwide. At the same time, the retention of the existing five-SIM limit ensures continued accessibility for individuals and small businesses that rely on multiple lines, while the stronger verification measures are intended to create a safer communications environment across the state.