The MCMC is shaking things up in the prepaid SIM card market to tackle the constant headache of scams and identity fraud. It is not just about adding more red tape, though; they are trying to build a system that is actually ready for the future while balancing security with ease of use. This new mandatory standard is essentially a massive clean-up of how we register SIM cards in Malaysia.
We are looking at a shift towards biometrics and MyDigital ID for self-registration. This move is designed to cut out the shady manual registrations that often lead to fraud. For non-citizens, there is a tighter grip on things with biometric passport checks, making sure everyone is who they say they are through secure, automated platforms.
There are also some new caps on how many SIM cards you can juggle. If you are a Malaysian or permanent resident, you are now limited to five cards per provider. Non-citizens get two. They have also set some clear boundaries for younger users: children under 12 are barred from owning a SIM, and those between 12 and 17 need a parent or guardian to handle the paperwork and give formal consent.
Speed and transparency are part of the deal now too. Service providers have to let you know your registration status within 12 hours. If you are visiting the country, your tourist SIM has a strict three-month shelf life before it is automatically terminated.
The MCMC has made it clear they are not messing around, warning providers and distributors to get their act together quickly or face regulatory action.