The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has issued a clarification following recent reports on the collection of mobile phone data (MPD) from telcos, or Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). It stressed that no Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is accessed, processed, or disclosed at any stage.

According to MCMC, MPD is utilised solely for the purpose of generating official statistics that support evidence-based policymaking, particularly in the ICT and tourism sectors. In the former, the data helps provide detailed statistics on mobile broadband subscriptions and penetration rates across various geographic levels—from state and district down to local authority areas. In the tourism sector, it contributes to the development of indicators such as the volume of visitors and domestic travel activity.

The commission stressed that all data obtained from MNOs is anonymised and stripped of any PII. MNOs are given two options: they may either process the data within their own secure environment and submit only anonymised, aggregated outputs to MCMC, or, if they lack in-house processing capabilities, provide anonymised datasets for processing. In both scenarios, the identity of individual mobile subscribers is protected throughout.

This use of MPD aligns with a strategic direction by the Government aimed at improving the quality and timeliness of national statistics for more informed policy development. The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the UN Committee of Experts on Big Data and Data Science.

MCMC highlighted that the initiative follows two years of engagement with local MNOs to align on data requirements, processing methods, and privacy safeguards. This included the MPD National Workshop held from 2 to 5 September 2024, involving agencies such as the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), ITU, relevant ministries, and all major MNOs including CelcomDigi, Maxis, TM, U Mobile, and YTL.

The commission emphasised that the use of anonymised telecom data is in line with international best practices, citing similar efforts in Indonesia and Brazil. It also reaffirmed its commitment to privacy, transparency, and adherence to global data governance standards.

(Source: MCMC statement / official Facebook page)

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