The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) of Singapore and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to combat scams across telecommunication channels.
![Scam warning video by Singapore Police](https://wp-rewamp.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Singapore-Police-video-warns-people-on-impersonation-scam-Instagram-singaporepoliceforce.png)
The MoU was signed on February 25, 2024, in Barcelona, Spain, at the Mobile World Congress, according to a media release.
“Scams are a cross-border issue, requiring strong co-operation amongst countries,” said the release. “Singapore and Malaysia are close neighbours and share a common resolve in combating scams. Both countries have collaborated across many issues, such as cross-border enforcement actions against scammers.”
It added: “Malaysia is, therefore, a key partner for Singapore in building up regional co-operation in combating scams across our telecommunications channels.”
This MoU was signed by IMDA Chief Executive Lew Chuen Hong and MCMC Chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim bin Fateh Din.
![Singapore Malaysia MoU on combating scams](https://wp-rewamp.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Chief-Executive-of-IMDA-Lew-Chuen-Hong-left-and-Chairman-of-MCMC-Tan-Sri-Mohamad-Salim-bin-Fateh-Din-right-signed-an-MOU-on-February-25-2024-Photo-courtesy-sgpc.gov_-jpg.webp)
Improving cross-border exchange of strategic intelligence to combat scams across telecom channels and driving a co-ordinated regional approach to better protect both countries’ citizens from scammers are the top goals of the MoU.
The memorandum covers the following key areas:
• Providing regulatory assistance and co-operation related to scam telephone calls and text messages
• Facilitating research and education related to scam telephone calls and text messages
• Enabling the mutual exchange of knowledge and expertise through training programmes and staff exchanges
“The 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,” said the release.
“This latest MOU with MCMC represents a further step to strengthen international partnerships against scams coming through telecommunication channels,” it added.
The IMDA leads Singapore’s digital transformation by developing a vibrant digital economy and an inclusive digital society.