The smartphone industry are ever booming and to stay on top, its a very frequent sight to see people with a new devices every six months. Alternatively, smartphone users would trade in their pre-loved devices to get back what’s left of its worth.
They’re not the only ones though. Stolen smartphones are being sold to dealers, getting retailers in trouble when the authorities arrive, suspecting their involvement in burglary and theft. And in efforts to tackle the issue, a used phone trade-in agreement has been introduced for all in Malaysia.
Starting December 1, individuals who wish to trade in their smartphones to retailers would have to provide information such as the name, address, IC details and phone IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number as a record.
This is to help mobile phone dealers avoid the hassle of going through legal processes whenever a stolen phone is found amongst their offerings, and hopefully to reduce the cases of stolen phones.
Initiated by the Malaysian Mobile and Communication Association (PPTM), the agreement has also received the approval of the police’s Bukit Aman Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department.
Officiated by PPTM president Keng Soon and MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong, the joint forces implied, “The form will only be handed over to the police in case an investigation takes place,” emphasising on the strict privacy of details provided.
As for now, the agreement forms are only available to the 700 members of PPTM and the distribution of the form has started in preparation of the installation of the new policy. In your face, pickpockets!
[Source]
