SIBU: A man faced a shocking moment when he discovered that his name had been used to register a SIM card without his knowledge or consent.
The matter was revealed when the victim was conducting a routine check through his telecommunications account application, before finding a number that he had never registered, but was listed under his identity.
The discovery raised serious concerns about the security of personal data, not to mention the potential for the line to be misused for illegal purposes.
According to the victim, efforts to obtain clarification from the customer service and authorised distributors of the telecommunications company involved were unsuccessful.
In fact, internal procedure constraints caused the number to still remain active under his name.
The issue was then referred to the President of the National Consumer Action Council (MTPN) Sarawak Region, Lucas Lau Sieu Sing, who described such cases as increasingly worrying.
He explained that identity misuse is now one of the main tactics of criminal syndicates to register phone lines or open financial accounts to carry out illegal activities without being detected.
“In this regard, the public is urged to be more aware and always check the registration records of telephone numbers under their respective names to avoid any misuse by irresponsible parties,” he said in a statement today (April 23).
Lau also reminded that the act of using another person’s identity to register a line is a serious offence under the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (Act 709), in addition to being subject to action in accordance with the provisions of criminal law relating to fraud.
He stressed that victims are also at risk of facing legal implications if the line is used for criminal activities, even if they are not directly involved.
In the meantime, the public who are facing the same situation are advised to immediately file a police report and submit an official complaint to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
He added that authorities including the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), MCMC and the Personal Data Protection Department (JPDP) need to tighten control over the SIM card registration process, in addition to conducting a comprehensive investigation to combat identity misuse activities.
“Stronger preventive measures and cooperation between relevant agencies and service providers are very important to prevent this issue from spreading further,” Lau said.
