Scammers in Malaysia have shifted from SMS to messaging platforms like Rich Communication Services (RCS) and iMessage to distribute phishing links after the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) banned hyperlinks in SMS messages [1, 2, 3, 4].

The MCMC enforced a directive barring telecommunications companies from including hyperlinks, requests to call back numbers, or asking for personal details in official SMS communications. "For SMS, MCMC has enforced a directive for telecommunications companies prohibiting hyperlinks, requests to call back numbers or requests for personal details through official SMS... so they (scammers) shifted to RCS and iMessage," said Mohd Amirul Hakim Abdul Rahim of MCMC. He added that MCMC will engage with RCS and iMessage platform providers to explore measures like those used for SMS restrictions [2].

Phishing links are also spreading via over-the-top (OTT) messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram, indicating scammers are exploiting multiple messaging channels to reach victims [1, 2, 3, 4].

To combat fraudulent content, MCMC will verify suspicious cases with relevant authorities before blocking or removing them. Investment-related cases are referred to Securities Commission Malaysia, while banking-related fraud is verified with Bank Negara Malaysia or the banks involved. Once confirmed, fraudulent content or accounts are blocked across messaging, cellular, and SMS services to prevent further access [1, 2, 3, 4].

The National Digital Scam Forum was held today, August 20, 2026, coinciding with the launch of the 2026 National Anti-Scam Awareness Programme by Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil. Panelists included MCMC’s Mohd Amirul Hakim Abdul Rahim, National Financial Crime Centre director-general Datuk Seri Shamshun Baharin Mohd Jamil, Selangor Commercial Crime Investigation Department chief SAC Mohamad Rosni Mohamed Lazim, and Bank Negara Malaysia LINK and Offices Department deputy director Hasjun Hashim [1, 2, 3, 4].

The public was urged to remain vigilant against scams as fraudsters continue to adapt their tactics across communication channels [1, 2, 3, 4].