CelcomDigi Berhad is strengthening its efforts to protect customers from scam calls through the deployment of a new voice firewall designed to detect and flag suspicious calls in real time. The technology provides an additional layer of protection for more than 20 million CelcomDigi customers nationwide by identifying potentially malicious calls before customers engage with them.

Integrated directly into CelcomDigi’s core network, the voice firewall provides greater visibility into call activity and enables the company to analyse traffic patterns and risk indicators with greater precision. This allows suspicious and potentially fraudulent activity to be identified at the network level before it reaches customers, complementing CelcomDigi’s existing SMS firewall that detects and filters malicious and prohibited messages.

The effectiveness of the technology was demonstrated during a recent pilot, where it detected 355 million malicious and suspicious call attempts, including 217 million robocalls. Following its nationwide rollout in July, incoming calls identified as suspicious are displayed with a “Suspected Scam” alert on customers’ phones, giving them an opportunity to assess the call before deciding whether to answer or engage.

CelcomDigi Chief Technology Officer Kesavan Sivabalan said the evolving digital environment requires network security to go beyond delivering reliable connectivity. According to him, intelligent network technologies are increasingly important in identifying emerging threats at an early stage and helping customers make safer decisions when using digital services.

The voice firewall forms part of CelcomDigi’s broader A.C.T. approach to combating scams, which focuses on creating greater awareness, strengthening compliance and supporting enforcement agencies, as well as leveraging technology to tackle cybercrime. By combining network-level safeguards with customer education and collaboration with relevant authorities, the company aims to strengthen protection against increasingly sophisticated scam tactics.

CelcomDigi is also continuing its wider digital safety initiatives through its S.A.F.E. Internet programme and nationwide scam awareness efforts. These initiatives are aimed at equipping Malaysians with the knowledge, support and tools needed to identify potential online threats and navigate the increasingly connected digital environment more safely.

With scam calls continuing to pose risks to consumers, the introduction of the voice firewall highlights the growing role of telecommunications networks in preventing digital fraud. By detecting suspicious activity before it reaches customers and providing real-time warnings, CelcomDigi is enhancing its network security capabilities while supporting its broader commitment to building a safer and more trusted digital society.