MCMC: Personal data collected by shops only for contact tracing

Personal data collected by premises allowed to operate during the conditional movement control order period will only be used for contact tracing purposes as provided under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) in a statement said all premises must also display a clear notice that stated the reason for the collection of their personal data.

It further said this was based on the special cabinet committee's approval of its advisory on guidelines for personal data collection, data processing and data storage by commercial premises.

"All commercial premises that have been granted permission to operate during the conditional MCO period must fully adhere to the guidelines," the MCMC said in a statement today.

Addressing concerns of personal data abuse, the MCMC reiterated that only a person's name, contactable phone number, date and time of visit must be recorded either manually (in writing) or through digital means.

For premises that adopted a manual record, the MCMC said the data must be collected by a dedicated staff according to a set format.

"The time limit for storage of collected personal data is up to six months after the conditional MCO has ended, after which it must be permanently destroyed or erased," it said.

The MCMC also cautioned premise owners that they are responsible to ensure accuracy of data collected and failure to adhere to any of the guidelines could see them faced with a maximum of RM300,000 fine, two years’ imprisonment or both, under the Personal Data Protection Act 2010.

As such, the MCMC reassured the public that they should not be worried about providing their personal data to any commercial premise for purposes of contact tracing.

Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob previously said there were cases found where individuals had provided fake names including Superman and Batman when entering a shop and requested to provide their personal details.

The current conditional MCO period which marks the re-opening of selected commercial premises and business sectors has been in effect from May 4 and is due to end on June 9. - Mkini