Singapore and Malaysia sign MOU to strengthen cooperation to tackle scams across telecommunications channels

1. The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) of Singapore and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to combat scams across telecommunication channels. The MOU was signed on 25 February 2024 in Barcelona, Spain, at the Mobile World Congress.

2. Scams is a cross border issue requiring strong cooperation amongst countries. Singapore and Malaysia are close neighbours and share a common resolve in combatting scams. Both countries have collaborated across many issues, such as cross border enforcement actions against scammers. Malaysia is therefore a key partner for Singapore in building up regional cooperation in combating scams across our telecommunications channels.

3. The MOU to combat scams across telecommunications channels was signed by Chief Executive of IMDA, Mr Lew Chuen Hong, and Chairman of MCMC, Tan Sri Mohamad Salim bin Fateh Din. The MOU seeks to strengthen cross-border exchange of strategic intelligence to combat scams across telecommunications channels and drive a coordinated regional approach to better protect both countries’ citizens from scammers. These include the following key areas:

• Provide regulatory assistance and cooperation related to scam telephone calls and text messages
• Facilitate research and education related to scam telephone calls and text messages
• Facilitate the mutual exchange of knowledge and expertise through training programmes and staff exchanges.

4. IMDA recognises the importance of adopting a global approach to address the threat of scams and has earlier entered into similar MOUs with New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs, United States Federal Communications Commission and Australia’s Communications and Media Authority. This latest MOU with MCMC represents a further step to strengthen international partnerships against scams coming through telecommunication channels.