PUTRAJAYA, May 20 —The Communication and Multimedia Ministry is looking into the details that will enable it to start a do-not-call list to protect consumers from unwanted calls around using the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) 2010.

The ministry will study the No Call Registry system from the aspects of law and information technology among others, Communication and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said at a news conference today.

“This study will look into other countries that have implemented the same system such as New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore” he said.

“As this system has been said to bring positive impact in efforts to protect data subject (consumers) from spamming threats.”

Ahmad added that the system also prevent people’s personal information from being sold to strangers for marketing purposes.

Under the data protection law, consumers have the right to access, correct data, prevent damage or distress, withdraw from data processing, prevent direct marketing and bring complaints on abuses.

Data users must provide the necessary mechanisms to allow consumers to exercise their rights.

Data users include banking and financial institutions, communications service providers, insurance companies, transportation, and utilities.

The provisions also allow consumers to withdraw consent to personal data. If the data user continues, it will be liable to a fine of up to RM100,000 or a maximum of one-year jail, or both.

The move comes almost a year after the act was scheduled to take effect. It was delayed due to legal formalities.

The bill was first drafted in 2001 and was originally expected to be implemented early 2010.