KUALA LUMPUR (June 6): The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission has clarified that its demand for mobile phone data from mobile network operators (MNOs) is mainly for the generation of official statistics to support evidence-based policymaking.

No personally identifiable information is accessed, processed or disclosed, MCMC said in a statement on Friday night.

The statistics generated are used to support policymaking in two key sectors: information, communications and technology, and tourism, it said.

The commission noted that MNOs can either process the data securely in-house and provide the anonymised results, or, if lacking in-house processing capabilities, submit the anonymised data directly to MCMC.

“In both cases, no individual subscriber can be identified through the data collected,” MCMC stressed.

The statement was issued in response to reports that the government had sought detailed records of phone calls and internet usage from telecom firms

According to the South China Morning Post, MCMC had demanded detailed call and internet logs for the first three months of this year. Non-compliance would be an offence under the Communications and Multimedia Act, which carries a penalty of a RM20,000 fine or six months’ imprisonment.

MCMC on Friday said the mobile phone data it collects is used strictly for generating official statistics to support evidence-based policymaking in two key areas — namely, the ICT sector and the tourism sector.

For the ICT sector, it produces detailed statistics on mobile broadband usage and penetration across various administrative levels, while for the tourism sector, it tracks visitor numbers and domestic trips.

The commission also noted that extensive engagement had taken place with all MNOs over the past two years to ensure mutual understanding of data requirements, processes, and privacy safeguards.

“This initiative aligns with international best practices. It mirrors similar projects already implemented in countries such as Indonesia and Brazil, where anonymised telecommunications data is used to enhance national statistics while fully safeguarding user privacy,” said MCMC.