In every family group chat ever, you will always have that one relative that loves sending spam or forwarded messages in the group. But sometimes, you will also get unwanted spam messages from strangers just right after getting a new SIM number. If only there was a law that prohibits this behaviour...except that there is. As recently issued by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), you could actually get fined or land yourself in jail for spamming!
As seen on MCMC's Facebook page, any improper use of any application service will be a serious offence under Section 233. The fine will not exceed RM50,000, but that's still a hefty one and imprisonment for less than a year is also plausible. But what kind of spam would get you in trouble, though? Well, from what MCM said in their statement, as long as "there is no prior relationship between the sender and the recipient regardless of content whether commercial or non-commercial messages", then the spammer would be charged for the offence. If the spammer has breached the service provider's terms and conditions, it may result in termination of the service.
While the statement may be less harsh for family members, we would still like to remind everyone that it's better to check the facts instead of sending chain messages and #fakenews around just because "it's better to be safe than sorry". Well, it's not particularly helpful to spread false information, IS IT? So learn to be a responsible netizen!
That said, should any of you encounter a spammer, you can call the Complaint Hotline 1-800-188-030 or +603 8688 1000, or send your email to [email protected] as well as the online portal at aduan.skmm.gov.my.
It's about time that we have a law for spammers. But what do you think? Let us know in the Facebook post comments and stay tuned for more cool local tech news at TechNave.com.
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