The proposal to register mobile phones met with a mixed response from consumer groups, with one describing the move as "illogical and stupid."

Contacted yesterday, Consumer Association of Subang and Shah Alam (Cassa) chairperson Jacob George took the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to task over the issue.

According to him, such a move would be a "step backwards" for the country.

"It is unfair to force mobile phone owners to register their phones because it turns a private matter public," he said.

Yesterday, MCMC was reported as saying that it was considering making it compulsory for mobile phone owners to register their mobile phones in an attempt to curb theft.

Its Technology and Standard Department head Ahmad Razif Ramli said that countries like the United Kingdom, France and Germany had adopted a similar method.

Commenting on this, George said the enforcement standards in Malaysia was not up to par with these Western countries.

"In England, those who violate privacy laws are sent to jail and their businesses are closed down, but there are no such laws in Malaysia," he noted.

No additional burdens

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Islamic Consumer Association (PPIM) welcomed the proposal to register mobile phones.

However, its general secretary Maamor Osman said it was still vague if such a move would help combat the theft of mobile phones.

He also urged the authorities not to impose additional burdens on consumers by charging a fee for the registration, should it be implemented.

"This plan has its advantages if it can be used as a measure to crack down on the theft of mobile phones," he told malaysiakini .

MCMC plans to set up a database of stolen mobile phones. Stolen phones would be tracked via the international mobile equipment identity code found in every phone.

If a phone is reported stolen to the network provider, it would immediately be shut down and rendered useless even after the subscriber identity module (SIM) card has been changed.