Fahmi wants stronger WhatsApp verification after scammers impersonate MCMC officers

Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil wants WhatsApp to strengthen verification of phone numbers linked to its accounts. — Picture by Sayuti Zainudin

By R. Loheswar

First Published: Sunday, 15 Nov 2026 2:41 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 15 — Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil wants WhatsApp to strengthen verification of phone numbers linked to its accounts amid growing concerns over scammers exploiting the messaging platform to deceive the public.

He said the government was looking into the issue following reports of scammers misusing telephone numbers and WhatsApp accounts, including impersonating Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) officers.

“At the moment, WhatsApp does not require verification of the account. But in a few countries, recently at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), I have heard from many countries that they have raised the issue of misuse of WhatsApp for scam calls.

“So one thing that many countries are doing is to verify the identity and the telephone number that are linked to the WhatsApp account,” he said.

Fahmi said the matter was among several measures being explored to address evolving scam tactics, noting that scammers had adapted their methods after authorities introduced technical measures to block spoofing calls.

“Previously, MCMC implemented a technical change that blocked what is known as spoofing calls, and we have successfully implemented that.

“But the scammers have switched to a different method of scamming. So we can see that additional steps are needed,” he said.

His remarks came after police arrested 61 people suspected of involvement in three scam syndicates, including one believed to have impersonated MCMC officers in telephone scams.

Police said the suspects were detained during raids in Seri Kembangan, Selangor, with two other syndicates allegedly involved in fake part-time job offers targeting victims in Indonesia through WhatsApp.

Fahmi also warned the public against individuals claiming to represent MCMC or the Communications Ministry and threatening to terminate their telephone lines.

He stressed that neither the ministry nor MCMC would contact members of the public to issue orders to shut down their telephone services.

“MCMC will not call to give orders to shut down telephone lines. That is the job of the telecommunications company itself.

“The Communications Ministry is also not involved in such actions,” he said.

Fahmi advised anyone receiving suspicious calls to hang up and lodge a report with the police or MCMC rather than following the caller’s instructions.

He also urged scam victims to contact the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC) at 997 immediately.

“If you receive a call to cancel your telephone line and suspect that something is wrong, first put down the call. Second, make a report, either to the police or MCMC. You can also call 997,” he said.

WhatsApp already requires users to verify ownership of a phone number through a registration code sent by SMS or telephone call.

However, Fahmi’s remarks point to the possibility of stronger identity verification for numbers associated with accounts, an issue that has also been raised internationally.