The difficulty of detecting Fake Base Transceiver Station (Fake BTS) devices that can be hidden in vehicles or bags is a major challenge for authorities in curbing short messaging service (SMS) fraud syndicates. That said, what should you know about it?

It’s difficult to track a mobile base

According to a BERNAMA report, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the mobile nature of the device allowed the syndicate to operate dynamically to avoid detection by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM).

According to him, the technology is used to bypass mobile security networks and send fake SMS messages and dangerous links to users within the device's radius.

"Because these devices can be carried anywhere, enforcement action urgently needs information and complaints from the public to help us identify the exact location of the syndicate," he said during an oral question-and-answer session at the Dewan Negara.

Moreover, Teo said that since September 2024, MCMC, in collaboration with PDRM, has carried out several series of operations, including Ops Pancing, Ops Fake BTS and Ops Delusi, which have successfully dismantled syndicates in high-density locations such as Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru.

Furthermore, he stressed that the use or possession of illegal communication equipment is an offence under the Communications and Multimedia Act 199,8 which carries a fine of up to RM1 million or a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.

Meanwhile, Teo announced that a new standard operating procedure (SOP) for SIM card registration will be enforced starting February 27. The measure aims to prevent misuse of lines by irresponsible parties, as well as imposing higher penalties on telecommunications companies that fail to comply with registration regulations.

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