Malaysia SMS content blocking

The Malaysian telecommunications regulator (MCMC) has placed the requirement on all Malaysian Licenced Telecom operators servicing SMS to block messages that contain websites or telephone numbers within the text.

https://www.mcmc.gov.my/en/media/announcements/sekatan-terhadap-kandungan-khidmat-pesanan-ringkas

https://www.mcmc.gov.my/en/media/press-clippings/elak-scam-syarikat-telco-diarah-larang-pautan-url

What does this mean?

The full SMS containing any of the following will be blocked:

• URLs: website links for recipients to click through to
• Numbers: mobile phone or fixed phone numbers provided to make the recipient call back

Types of messages affected: 

• P2P: person-to-person
• A2P: application-to-person

How will this be done?

Messages will be blocked at first instance, and this will be actioned by all Malaysian Licenced Telecom operators irrespective of the entry point of the SMS into the Malaysia national telecom network. This will be conducted by the network platform algorithms with no human interference of reviewing SMS content.

Why is this being done?

The Malaysian Regulatory body has placed this requirement to prevent consumers from falling victim to online scams that is prevalent across the market.

Will there be a charge for SMS being sent incorrectly?

Typically, in the SMS sphere despite your providers SMS network logging the SMS as being sent as delivered, the recipient may not receive it. This could happen at many parts of the downstream network so please be aware that sending SMS may result in charges, even if the SMS is blocked by a Malaysian licenced operator due to the content blocking requirement.

How can I unblock my SMS or whitelist my content?

The MCMC has revoked any available option to pre-whitelist SMS content for successful delivery to a recipient. This aligns to the regulator's stance on the need to change consumers behaviour from falling victim to online scams.