Sample of actual mobile phone data received from mobile network operators (Source: MCMC)

CYBERJAYA (June 9): The Cabinet approved the collection of mobile phone data as a new source of data in 2023, paving the way for its recent demand for data from mobile network operators (MNOs), according to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

At a Monday briefing, MCMC deputy managing director Datuk Zulkarnain Mohd Yasin said the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), led by Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, presented the proposal titled “Projek Data Raya Nasional: Mobile Phone Data” to the Cabinet on April 19, 2023, and it was approved.

Zulkarnain said individuals cannot opt out of the programme due to the Cabinet’s decision.

MCMC plans to collect the following types of data from MNOs:

• Anonymised subscriber identifiers
• Timestamps of activity
• Structure identifier
• Location data (cell tower coordinates)
• Type of data (call or internet)
• Network type (e.g. 2G)
• Country identifier (to differentiate local vs international use)

The programme is aimed at providing insights into population dynamics, economic activities, and information and communication technology (ICT) trends.

MCMC said it handles data for the ICT sector, while DOSM manages data for the tourism sector.

For ICT, the data is used to produce detailed stats on mobile broadband usage and coverage. For tourism, it helps track visitor numbers and domestic travel.

Zulkarnain explained that planning often misses some communities, like kampung orang asli, because data is outdated or incomplete.

"For example, we’re still using 2020 population data, but it’s now 2025—and populations can grow quickly. With mobile phone data, we now have up-to-date and detailed information. This helps us plan better—whether it’s for infrastructure, health, postal services, or tourism," he added.

Zulkarnain said this supports the United Nation’s goal of inclusive, sustainable development. Without accurate data, some communities may be left behind. Mobile phone data helps ensure everyone is counted and served.

He added that this data is anonymised and aggregated, meaning it cannot be used to identify or track individuals. Therefore, it is not classified as personal data under the Personal Data Protection Act 2010.

DOSM’s big data analytics team head Jamaliah Jaafar said the tourism project is still in its pilot phase and will run until 2026.

Zulkarnain said public consultation has not taken place yet, as the current focus is on preparing telecom operators, testing their readiness, and ensuring strong data protection.

According to MCMC, national data collection and processing for the first quarter of 2025 started in the May and June period.

Zulkarnain said MCMC is offering MNOs two options to protect data and privacy.

The first option is for MNOs with in-house processing systems to handle the data themselves and send only anonymised, aggregated results — like total user counts — to MCMC.

The second option is for MNOs without in-house systems to send anonymised data securely to MCMC for processing.

So far, only CelcomDigi Bhd (KL:CDB) and Maxis Bhd (KL:MAXIS) have their own processing systems. Other MNOs are encouraged to move towards in-house processing in the future.