Tag Archives: MCMC

Malaysian Telcos Ban SMS Links To Prevent Scams!

On Tuesday, 2 May 2023, four Malaysian telcos – Maxis, Celcom, Digital and U Mobile started banning SMS links, as part of the MCMC’s initiative to prevent scams.

From this day onwards, users will be blocked from sending or receiving SMS with a link. MCMC had earlier issued the directive to all telcos on February 14, 2023, but the ban on SMS links is only now being implemented.

The ban on SMS links is currently not mandatory for all telcos, and is being implemented in phases. Currently, the ban is limited to SMS between individuals.

Businesses using short codes like 6XXXX, 2XXXX and 1XXXX will eventually be banned from including a URL link in their SMS messages. They will be given time to switch to other methods to send promotional messages with links to their customers.

The MCMC has issued a directive to all telcos to block sending and receiving of SMS with URL link. The objective is to prevent users from becoming victims of online scams

MCMC issued the directive to all service providers on Feb 14 and is currently assessing the progress. For now, the block is still not mandatory.

The blocking of person-to-person SMS with URL links will take effect from 2 May 2023. For SMS sent by business via short codes such as 6XXXX, 2XXXX and 1XXXX, this will be done later and specific notification to business users will be sent.

Malaysia Deputy Communications and Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching said in February 2023 that blocking such SMS links will ensure that people won’t click on them and possibly end up as a scam victim.

Only SMS Links Banned, Links Via Other Platforms Still A Risk

While this measure is really helpful in helping to prevent scams, the ban is limited to SMS links. Scammers can still send links through instant messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, etc.

That does not mean that links are inherently bad. Links in messages, even SMS messages, are mostly safe.

Perfectly Fine

Clicking on a link to read an article / terms and conditions of a promotion
Clicking on a link to enrol in a promotion which does not require you to log into any website
Clicking on a link to check in for a flight, or get a travel update

However, they can be used to send you to a phishing website which is designed to look like a genuine bank / payment website. Hence, it is critical that you should NEVER log into any website through a link.

NEVER DO THIS

Clicking on a link to log into a bank website
Clicking on a link to make a purchase or payment
Clicking on a link to log into any account / email

Phishing attacks work by tricking you into going into a fake website that looks like the real website. But you still have to log into the fake website to give the scammers your login details.

If you click on a link, and you are asked to login – this is likely a phishing attack. But don’t worry – as long as you refuse to log into any website after clicking on a link, the phishing attack fails.

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Warning : Viral SPM 2020 Grading Scale Is Misleading!

Viral SPM 2020 Grading Scale On Facebook + WhatsApp

A picture of the purported SPM 2020 grading scale has gone viral on Facebook and WhatsApp.

In particular, a post by MamaMia Mia on 11 June 2021 went viral and caught the attention of the Malaysia Ministry of Education (KPM).

In her post, MamaMia Mia commented, “This is why I found it odd that the kids today are getting rows of As“.

She then edited the post, adding “I don’t know where this grading scale came from. People are just sharing them. Even if they deny it, there is no evidence of the truth. The effort of children studying isn’t the issue. It’s the fact that every year the minister will claim that their batch is the best. Suspicious.”

Viral SPM 2020 Grading Scale Is Misleading!

The grading scale is often shared without any explanation, so many people assume it’s the actual SPM 2020 grading scale.

But a closer look at the title will show that the chart is actually for the 2020 SPMRSM exams – the SPM trial examinations for MRSM (Maktab Rendah Sains MARA) – MARA Junior Science College in English.

It is said that MRSM trial examinations for SPM are tougher than the actual SPM examinations, so it is plausible that they would use a lower grading scale.

KPM has since issued a press release calling it misleading, and even lodged a police report over the post.

KPM Press Release On Viral SPM 2020 Grading Scale

This is our English translation of the official KPM press release on the viral SPM 2020 grading scale.

DENIAL OF SPM GRADING SCALE ON FACEBOOK

The Malaysia Ministry of Education (KPM) would like to refer to the post on MamaMia Mia’s Facebook page on 11 June 2021 regarding the ‘SPM Grading Scale’ with the caption “That’s why I feel it’s weird kids are now getting rows of As.” and “#bilasekolahdipolitikkan” (#whenschoolsarepoliticised) which is now viral.

We stress that the ‘SPM Grading Scale’ that has gone viral does not belong to the KPM Examination Board. The ‘SPM Grading Scale’ is presented as if it is the actual marking grade of SPM in 2020 and can confuse the public, especially parents and candidates for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination in 2020. The post tarnishes the image, authority and credibility of the Examination Board as the national assessment body and threatens public order.

The Examination Board lodged a police report at 10.31pm on 11 June 2021, as well as a report to the Communications and Multimedia Commission for further investigation.

Malaysia Ministry of Education
11 June 2021

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The New Digi 900 MHz Network Spectrum Explained

The 900 MHz and 1800 MHz spectrum were originally reserved for use by 2G networks, but in February 2016, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) reallocated certain bands for use by 3G and 4G LTE networks. Digi was allocated 2 x 5 MHz of 900 MHz and 2 x 20 MHz of 1800 MHz for 15 years.

According to Digi Chief Technology Officer, Kesavan Sivabalan, the Digi 4G LTE network reaches 86% of Malaysians in 295 cities and major towns today, while the faster LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) network covers 45% of populated areas in Malaysia, covering 80 cities and towns.

The new 900 MHz spectrum not only extends the reach from the base stations, but also penetrates walls better to offer stronger indoor coverage.

To educate consumers on the advantages of the new 900 MHz network, Digi created this advertorial :

Currently, the Digi 4G LTE 900 MHz spectrum covers only 15% of the population in 51 cities and towns. There is an emphasis on rural areas, due to the greater reach of the 900 MHz spectrum, and the lower likelihood of network congestion.

Digi on the MRT

Digi also took the opportunity to announce that their network is also available throughout the underground sections of the newly-launched MRT line. This means Digi customers will enjoy seamless connectivity at all times, while riding on the MRT.

“Customers can stay connected and reachable at all times while they travel on the MRT. They can continue to stream content like music and videos, play online games or even catch up on the reading their favourite websites. This is just another example of what we mean when we say we have the infrastructure in place to cater to our customers’ ever-changing and evolving digital lifestyles,” Kesavan added.

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