KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has been directed to seek clarification from telecommunications companies (telcos) allegedly charging users a RM10 fee for anti-scam protection services.
Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said the move aims to understand and assess whether the charge is justified.
“I have not reviewed the report yet, but I will ask MCMC to identify the telecommunications service companies involved.
“This is to obtain clarification and examine this aspect, whether it is justified or not. We need to understand first what is meant (by the service and the charges imposed),” he said at a media briefing after the weekly Cabinet meeting today.
Earlier, reports emerged condemning telcos for imposing a monthly RM10 charge for scam protection services.
Consumer associations and computer experts have argued that customer security should be a basic responsibility of service providers, not an additional source of profit.
Market observers also criticised the idea of treating fundamental digital security as a premium product, calling it at odds with the social responsibility of telcos, who benefit from public trust and the integrity of their networks.
“However, basic anti-scam protection should be a standard feature, not an extra cost for users,” remarked one observer. – November 14, 2025