Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil ordered Malaysian telecommunications CEOs to provide a full explanation by today regarding allegations that hundreds of prepaid phone lines were registered under single individuals’ names without their knowledge [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. The allegations include cases where one person was linked to dozens or even up to 400 prepaid lines, raising concerns about abuse and scams [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].

One notable case involved a 70-year-old man who had only a single prepaid line legitimately but discovered at least 18 different lines registered under his identity [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Such multiple registrations are suspected to be used by scam syndicates for illicit activities, including online scams and fraud [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].

The Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia (PPIM) raised these concerns through its chief activist, Datuk Nadzim Johan. PPIM alleges some telcos allowed between 20 to 50 lines or more under a single name without proper controls [1, 3, 5]. Datuk Nadzim said, "If a telco allows 20 or 50 lines to be registered under one name without any problem, this cannot be allowed to continue because ultimately, it is the consumers who bear the consequences" [1]. He also praised the ministry’s summons of telco CEOs as a positive step towards addressing the widespread scams involving prepaid SIM cards [6].

Minister Fahmi warned telcos that if the allegations prove true, they will face accountability and further action. He said, "If this is true, then the telcos concerned will have some explaining to do. I want the CEOs of the telcos concerned to provide an explanation by the end of today" [1]. He added that telecom companies may have registered excessive prepaid SIM cards because many numbers were eventually used for improper purposes [6].

The government is investigating whether any telcos colluded with scam syndicates in registering excessive prepaid SIM cards [6]. Measures to curb misuse include requiring prepaid line registration verification through the MyDigital ID system [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].

The 2026 National Anti-Scam Awareness Programme, launched today, featured speeches by Minister Fahmi and Datuk Nadzim addressing these concerns and abuses related to prepaid lines [1, 3, 5, 6]. Telcos have until the end of today (August 20) to respond with explanations regarding the alleged mass registrations under single identities [1, 3, 5, 6].