In a sweeping move to combat online fraud, the Malaysian government is preparing to enforce a cap of two prepaid SIM cards per telecommunications company for Malaysian citizens — and a total of two across all telcos for foreign users. The announcement came from Deputy Communications Minister Teo?Nie?Ching during a session in the Dewan Rakyat.
Currently, under the 2017 Prepaid User Registration Guidelines, individuals may register up to five prepaid SIM cards per telco. The proposed change aims to tighten that limit significantly to reduce the abuse of SIM registration by fraudsters.
Tackling Digital Scams and Deepfake Content
Teo Nie Ching linked the restriction to growing concerns about scams, misuse of digital identities, and the use of AI-generated content. She explained that investigations into illegal activities are often hampered because perpetrators use foreign identities to register anonymous SIMs and accounts, making them harder to trace.
One example cited: a suspect created fake social-media content using a foreigner’s information, and the case had to be closed for lack of clarity on the perpetrator’s identity. Statistics provided during the session revealed that between 1 January 2022 and 15 October 2025, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) submitted 3074 takedown requests for deepfake content, of which 2354 (≈ 77 %) were removed. For false content more broadly, 55218 removal requests were filed, with 46966 (≈ 85 %) acted upon.
Framework and Implementation Timeline
The MCMC has launched a public inquiry to review the current prepaid-SIM registration guidelines. This consultation is set to run until the end of November, with the aim of implementing the revised framework by the first quarter of 2026.
In addition to changing the registration cap, the ministry is developing new regulations under the Telecommunications & Multimedia Act to require service providers to submit “online safety plans” outlining how they will comply with safe-online standards. The MCMC is also examining methods for age and identity verification to better protect children and reduce fraud through business and personal accounts.
This regulatory update signals a stronger push by Malaysia’s authorities to curb digital abuse at the infrastructure level — by reducing the number of anonymous prepaid SIMs that can be used for fraudulent activity or to hide criminal behaviour. For telcos, users and digital platforms alike, the expected changes could have significant implications for how prepaid services are managed and monitored in the region.
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