The Malaysian government is considering stricter WhatsApp account verification requirements to combat scams and impersonation calls, particularly those involving scammers posing as government officials, including the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said stronger identity verification could help prevent scammers from misusing the messaging platform.
As reported by Malay Mail, Fahmi said several countries had raised similar concerns during a recent International Telecommunication Union (ITU) meeting.
He said, one thing that many countries are doing is to verify the identity and the telephone number that are linked to the WhatsApp account.
WhatsApp already verifies phone numbers
It is worth pointing out that WhatsApp already requires users to verify their phone numbers using a six-digit code sent via SMS or a phone call during registration.
However, this only confirms access to the registered phone number, not necessarily the actual identity of the account holder. Meanwhile, mobile numbers in Malaysia must be registered using valid government-issued identification, with MyDigital ID as a verification method. Telcos are not permitted to activate mobile numbers or SIMs without completing the required identity verification.
In addition, the MCMC has also reduced the number of prepaid SIM cards permitted per telco per user as a way to combat misuse for scams.
While Malaysia is considering stronger verification requirements, there are no confirmed details on how they would work or when they might be introduced.
Scammers switch tactics to evade existing safeguards
Fahmi said MCMC had previously implemented technical measures to block caller ID spoofing, where scammers disguise their phone numbers to appear legitimate.
Although these measures were successful, scammers have since adopted other methods to deceive victims. Instead of using traditional voice calls and SMS, scammers have moved to instant messaging platforms which are harder to monitor.
The latest remarks follow the arrest of 61 suspects linked to three scam syndicates during police raids in Seri Kembangan, Selangor. One syndicate allegedly impersonated MCMC officers, while two others used WhatsApp to promote fraudulent part-time jobs targeting Indonesians.
Fahmi also reminded Malaysians that MCMC and the Communications Ministry do not call individuals to threaten phone line termination over unpaid bills. Such matters are handled by the respective telcos.
Members of the public should hang up immediately if they receive suspicious calls. Victims of financial scams should contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997.
Meanwhile, WhatsApp users are encouraged to enable two-step verification, avoid sharing verification codes and review their linked devices for unauthorised access.
Although stronger verification could add layers to make impersonation more difficult, it won’t prevent scammers from using legitimately registered or compromised WhatsApp accounts.
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