All Malaysian telcos now integrate MyDigital ID for SIM verification to combat scams and identity fraud, linking numbers to trusted digital identities
PETALING JAYA: Malaysians will enjoy enhanced mobile security starting today as all telecommunications companies integrate MyDigital ID’s identity verification technology into their mobile applications.
The nationwide initiative aims to curb scam calls, impersonation cases and identity fraud, which often exploit unverified or misused SIM cards.
Under the programme, every mobile number will be linked to a verified, trusted digital identity.
Backed by the National Cyber Security Agency and coordinated by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, the initiative is structured around three key measures.
Users can review prepaid numbers registered under their MyKad and confirm the ones that truly belong to them, preventing misuse by scammers.
All newly purchased prepaid SIM cards must be verified through the telcos’ apps using MyDigital ID, ensuring new numbers cannot be activated with someone else’s identity.
Users can log in to telcos’ apps using their MyDigital ID, enhancing security against account takeovers, phishing and unauthorised access.
In a statement, Nacsa chief executive officer Dr Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin said the rollout might vary by provider, with some starting with one or two components and full adoption occurring progressively.
“Regardless of the combination, the initiative ensures scammers cannot exploit unverified SIM cards as entry points for their operations,” he said.
“MyDigital ID verifies identities directly against official government records safeguarded by the National Registration Department.”
Nik Hisham Nik Ibrahim, MyDigital ID chief executive officer, said mobile phone numbers were frequently exploited for carrying out scams.
He cited the 2.98 million scam calls reported in Malaysia last year compared to 1.63 million in 2023.
