Fahmi…the information provided to MCMC does not contain names or any identifiers that could trace information back to specific individuals.
KUALA LUMPUR — In response to public concerns regarding the collection of mobile phone call data, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has emphasized the robust measures in place to ensure data integrity throughout mobile phone data gathering exercises.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), in collaboration with the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) and mobile network operators, has implemented a multi-layered approach to safeguard the information and ensure its use is strictly for evidence-based policymaking.
At the core of MCMC’s strategy for data integrity is the commitment to anonymization and aggregation at the source.
Fahmi explained that telecommunications companies themselves are responsible for processing the data to remove any personal information before it is ever shared.
“Only anonymised data, processed as thoroughly as possible by the telecommunications companies themselves, will be provided,” he stated, underscoring that the data collected focuses on trends rather than individual identities.
This means that the information provided to MCMC does not contain names or any identifiers that could trace information back to specific individuals.
Furthermore, MCMC’s along with reassurances from telco providers like U Mobile Sdn Bhd and Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM), highlight the strict governance and security protocols in place.
U Mobile, for instance, affirmed that any Mobile Phone Data (MPD) shared is “anonymised, aggregated and in full compliance with data protection laws,” while TM echoed its commitment to “safeguarding the safety and privacy of customer data with responsibility and integrity.”
These statements underscore a shared responsibility among all parties to uphold the highest standards of data governance.
The initiative itself, developed through a series of workshops since 2023 involving DOSM, MCMC, and mobile network operators, reflects a proactive approach to ensuring data quality and reliability.
By working closely with the source of the data—the telcos—MCMC aims to obtain granular yet non-identifiable information that can genuinely inform policy decisions, such as improving network infrastructure and digital inclusion.
This collaborative framework is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the collected data, ensuring it is accurate, relevant, and free from personal identifiers, thereby building public trust in the government’s data-driven initiatives.
