Telegram agrees to collaborate with Malaysian authorities to curb cyber fraud

Instant messaging platform Telegram has agreed to co-operate with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the country’s enforcement authorities to curb cyber fraud, according to a statement by Minister Fahmi Fadzil seen by A+M.

In the statement, Minister Fahmi Fadzil shared that Telegram has been an alarming source of criminal cases such as fake investment fraud, pedophilia and pornography to name a few.

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Fahmi has also noted that the total losses incurred by Malaysians from January 2020 to May 2023 from various fraudulent activities on Telegram has amounted to RM45 million. He reiterated his firm view that messaging and social media platforms are to adhere by Malaysian laws.

The government will not remain silent and allow cybercrimes that hide behind fake identities, he said.

At the meeting, Telegram expressed its commitment to establishing a closer working relationship with MCMC and the Royal Malaysia Police to curb crimes on the application, Fahmi said..

The meeting was led by MCMC chairman Tan Sri Salim Fateh Din and saw the attendance of the inspector general of police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah, director of the criminal investigation department Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay and other top officers.

MCMC's meeting with Telegram has been highly anticipated after an increase of Telegram scams was recognised over the past few months. Despite the rampant use of the app to share sensitive information, even by the National Security Council, Fahmi said that the government would not compromise the safety of the public.

In a townhall reported by Astro Awani, seen by A+M, Fahmi said that the issue is “not only about scammers, but also pornography and extremism which need to be checked urgently if they are spread through Telegram.”

Fahmi also cited former prime minister, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s personal Telegram being hacked in August last year. PM Ismail shared the matter on his official Twitter account.

The meeting also comes shortly after Fahmi called for greater international collaboration for cybersecurity to responsibly protect the cyberspace and digital economy of each country at London Tech Week last week. 

At London Tech Week, he stressed that technology developers and businesses should put security at the forefront in its digital transformation projects with the aim of protecting the digital community against cybersecurity threats.

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