Celcom suspends dealers involved in fake prepaid SIM registrations

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has recently issued RM700,000 worth of compounds to telcos that have failed to perform identity verification for new prepaid SIM registrations in 2019. Celcom, which was one of the telcos penalised by the MCMC has already taken action against its dealers and are currently conducting further investigation.

Below is Celcom’s statement in full:

In regard to the recent action by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to mobile providers failing to perform identity verification for new prepaid SIM card registrations in 2019, Celcom Axiata Berhad has immediately taken action to suspend the responsible dealers and will further investigate their misconduct.

In keeping with MCMC’s standards and regulations, Celcom practices self-regulation, and periodically self-polices over 10,000 third-party dealers nationwide, to heighten awareness and overall standards of practice.

Celcom views this matter seriously and strives to uphold MCMC’s stipulated regulations, policies and guidelines for prepaid SIM registrations.

As announced yesterday, Celcom was slapped with 3 compounds amounting to RM150,000. All prepaid SIM registrations must be verified and each individual is only allowed to own 5 SIM cards under their name. The MCMC has stressed that it won’t compromise on the matter and will take strict action against those that fail to comply with the guidelines.

The purpose of identity verification is to curb misuse and criminal activities. The verification must be done on an automated platform that’s both secured and encrypted. All Malaysians must present their IC while foreigners can provide their MyPR card or passport when they register for a new prepaid SIM.

Related reading