PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) warns Malaysians to not share a message titled “Digital Monitoring For All Smartphone Users” that’s going viral on WhatsApp.

MCMC on its website states that it is fake news, and that the statement in the message was not released by the regulatory body.

The message claims that starting April 4, all SMSes and phone calls made via smartphones will be recorded and logged by MCMC.

It also states that all users’ social media accounts, namely Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram, WeChat, Gmail and Yahoo Mail, as well as the calls made via these platforms, will be monitored.

The message also claims that all users’ smartphones will be connected to a central monitoring system manned by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

It then lists a string of warnings, stating that users cannot make postings against Islam, Malay rulers or anything that involves racism, child pornography or militant activities.

The message also claims that users, particularly group admins, who post unverified facts will be arrested for questioning without prior warning.

MCMC stresses the viral message is fake and that it was not issued by it.

Anyone who receives the message is encouraged to not share the content, and are advised to report to MCMC via its complaints hotline at 1800–188–030 or e-mail to aduanskmm@cmc.gov.my.

They can also send a message SKMM ADUAN (Complaint Details) to 15888, or via WhatsApp to 016-220 6262. Visit aduan.skmm.gov.my or www.mcmc.gov.my for more information.