Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has directed the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to investigate claims that several local telcos are imposing a RM10 surcharge for scam-protection services. He said the commission will identify the companies involved and ask them to clarify why they are charging such a fee.
Speaking at his post-Cabinet press conference, Fahmi said the government needs to understand the rationale behind the surcharge before deciding whether it is reasonable. He added that the report on the matter has not yet reached him, but MCMC is already examining the issue and determining whether the charges align with industry responsibilities.
The investigation follows a report by Berita Harian, which highlighted criticism from consumer groups and IT experts who labelled the RM10 fee “inappropriate.” They argued that service providers should safeguard users from scams as a basic duty, rather than treating it as a premium add-on that customers must pay for separately.
Market observers also echoed these concerns, noting that some telcos have begun offering paid “anti-scam protection” bundles that include real-time alerts, phishing detection, and personal data monitoring. Critics said these features can be implemented at the network level and should benefit all users equally instead of shifting the burden onto individuals through subscription fees.
Telcos offering scam-protection services as an optional, chargeable add-on is a relatively new practice, but similar models have existed for some time. Antivirus programs and caller identification services, for example, often provide basic protection for free while offering “premium” subscriptions for ad-free experiences or advanced tools.
That said, it makes sense for specialised service providers to monetise such offerings to sustain their businesses. For telcos, however, adopting the same approach remains questionable, particularly as it risks exploiting their users’ vulnerabilities for additional profit.
(Source: Comms Ministry [Facebook] / FMT)
