All cellular communication service providers (Celcos) have been given until the end of this month to develop a system to prevent 'spamming' and 'spoofing' of mobile phone users.

Energy, Water and Communications Minister Dr Lim Keng Yaik said the directive was issued by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

He said that such a system was necessary to protect users against 'spamming' and 'spoofing' via the short messaging service (SMS) by content providers.

"The ministry is aware of complaints made by handphone users regarding the irresponsibilities of content providers companies," he said in reply to a question from Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Ipoh Timur) in the Dewan Rakyat here today.

The Beruas MP then explained that 'spamming' is when consumers are charged for unsolicited SMS contents circulated randomly by content providers.

'Spoofing' is an attempt by content providers to offer services disguised as if they had been requested by users.

Both these activities are considered illegal in the Guidelines on the Provision of Subscription Services for Mobile Content and Services.

He also said that his ministry, through MCMC, has instructed all cellular provider companies to provide online account checking services, public awareness campaign and provision of interactive space for users to get information and to lodge complaints.

Elaborating this, Lim said Celcos have been also asked to provide a billing system for prepaid users.

"This will allow prepaid users to check their accounts and the charges incurred. The MCMC also has ongoing awareness campaign via its website, seminars and brochures," he added.

Multi-million ringgit scam

Opposition Leader Kit Siang was however not satisfied with Lim's answers, calling them "sweetened rhetoric".

"The fact is the ministry is actually sleeping. This matter has been a public controversy for two years now and no action has been taken by the ministry," he charged.

He said that the ministry has been inactive in curbing spoofing and spamming, as evident by the ministry's inaction on a memorandum submitted by consumer group Fomca on the matter last month.

"Because the response from MCMC was negative, Fomca gave up. They gave 11 recommendations and highlighted that these kind of cheating had cost millions of consumers' money.

"This is a multi-million ringgit scam." he added.

The minister's straight answer was: "I have instructed that action be taken against these companies".

He also said that he was assessing the Fomca memorandum.