CYBERJAYA, MALAYSIA January 31, 2026 — The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has successfully detected and dismantled an operation involving the transmission of Fake Base Transceiver Stations (Fake BTS) in Genting Highlands recently.
The success of this operation resulted from continuous technical monitoring and network analysis by MCMC, which identified disruptions to communication services as well as the dissemination of scam-related SMS messages to mobile users. Based on the technical intelligence gathered, a field operation was planned and executed in collaboration with a telecommunications company.
On 19 January 2026, the MCMC team successfully located and inspected two vehicles being used to carry out Fake BTS transmission activities. On-site examination confirmed that network interception was taking place, believed to be used for sending large volumes of fraudulent SMS messages (scams) to victims. This demonstrated that the activity was being conducted in a planned and systematic manner.
Fake BTS equipment and control devices were seized for further investigation. The case is being investigated under Section 239(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 [Act 588] as well as Regulation 16(1)(b) of the Communications and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2000.
Under Section 239 of Act 588, a person convicted of the offence may be fined up to RM1,000,000 or imprisoned for up to ten (10) years, or both. Meanwhile, an offence under Regulation 16 of the Communications and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2000 carries a maximum fine of RM300,000 or imprisonment for up to three (3) years, or both.
MCMC emphasizes that it will not tolerate any form of misuse of communication networks that could endanger public safety and compromise the integrity of the country’s telecommunications system. Enforcement actions will continue to be intensified to ensure that the national communications network remains secure and well-protected.
This operation underscores MCMC’s strong commitment to combating cybercrime, particularly SMS-based scams that are increasingly being carried out using fake base station technology.
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