What is Public Cellular Blocking Service (PCBS)?

Public Cellular Blocking Service (PCBS) is the Government’s initiative to enable inter-carrier blocking of all lost or stolen mobile phones in Malaysia. In short, this means that once a mobile phone is reported as lost or stolen, the phone will be blocked across all networks nationwide.

What is IMEI blocking?

Device / IMEI blocking is an extended service provided by Maxis to disable a lost or stolen device from making or receiving calls, sending or receiving SMS and accessing data or Internet within the mobile operator’s network.

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique code that identifies each mobile phone handset. It is a unique 15 Digit number assigned to identify each mobile device. All devices such as mobile phones, tablets, dongles or USB modem have IMEI.

Can IMEI blocking help to locate my lost / stolen device?

No, device / IMEI blocking only disables the device from making or receiving calls, sending or receiving SMS and accessing data or Internet on the network.

What type of device can be block?

Devices with valid IMEI and were last used by the registered customer on a Maxis network can be blocked.

What is the difference between device blocking and SIM blocking?

SIM blocking is a service to block the usage/charges to the mobile number. Device/IMEI blocking disable the device even when a different SIM is inserted.

How can I request for blocking?

You can call us personally or walk-in to Maxis store to request for blocking. We will do the necessary verification with you before blocking your device.

How to block my phone which was lost while roaming?

If your handset is lost or stolen while travelling overseas it can still be blocked, provided you have an active mobile service with a Malaysian carrier or network service provider and the specific handset must have been used on your Malaysian network. IMEI blocking will only prevent a handset being used on Malaysian networks and not overseas networks.

What will I see on the screen of the phone after a device is blocked?

After your device is blocked, you won't be able to make or receive any calls or message. The phone would show the following e.g. Unable to attach to the network or SIM registration failed or no network signal / bar. If you try to make a call out, the phone would respond as call setup failed or no network.

Who can request to block / unblock device?

Only the registered owner of the service used on the device, prior to the device being lost or stolen, can request to block or unblock the device.

The line is registered under Mr. X and the phone is used by Mr. Y. Can I request to block / unblock the phone in the event the phone is lost / stolen?

No, only registered owner of the mobile line can request to suspend and or block or unblock the device/phone. User is required to get the registered owner to block or unblock the device. Maxis will only block or unblock a device for the original lawful owner who reported its lost/stolen and not the end user.

Found my lost phone, how do i unlock it ?

You can call us personally or walk-in to Maxis store to request unblocking. We will do the necessary verification with you before unblocking your device.

Is the device / IMEI blocking and unblocking immediate? What is the timeline?

For blocking in Maxis home network: 1 working day For unblocking in Maxis home network: 1 working day For domestic blocking between operator (not launch yet): 3 working days

Frequently Asked Questions

Public Cellular Blocking Service

Public Cellular Blocking Service (PCBS) is the Government’s initiative to enable inter-carrier blocking of all lost or stolen mobile phones in Malaysia. In short, this means that once a mobile phone is reported as lost or stolen, the phone will be blocked across all networks nationwide.
Device / IMEI blocking is an extended service provided by Maxis to disable a lost or stolen device from making or receiving calls, sending or receiving SMS and accessing data or Internet within the mobile operator’s network.
IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique code that identifies each mobile phone handset. It is a unique 15 Digit number assigned to identify each mobile device.

All devices such as mobile phones, tablets, dongles or USB modem have IMEI.
No, device / IMEI blocking only disables the device from making or receiving calls, sending or receiving SMS and accessing data or Internet on the network.
Devices with valid IMEI and were last used by the registered customer on a Maxis network can be blocked.
SIM blocking is a service to block the usage/charges to the mobile number.

Device/IMEI blocking disable the device even when a different SIM is inserted.
You can call us personally or walk-in to Maxis store to request for blocking. We will do the necessary verification with you before blocking your device.
If your handset is lost or stolen while travelling overseas it can still be blocked, provided you have an active mobile service with a Malaysian carrier or network service provider and the specific handset must have been used on your Malaysian network.

IMEI blocking will only prevent a handset being used on Malaysian networks and not overseas networks.
After your device is blocked, you won't be able to make or receive any calls or message.

The phone would show the following e.g. Unable to attach to the network or SIM registration failed or no network signal / bar.

If you try to make a call out, the phone would respond as call setup failed or no network.
Only the registered owner of the service used on the device, prior to the device being lost or stolen, can request to block or unblock the device.
No, only registered owner of the mobile line can request to suspend and or block or unblock the device/phone.

User is required to get the registered owner to block or unblock the device.

Maxis will only block or unblock a device for the original lawful owner who reported its lost/stolen and not the end user.
You can call us personally or walk-in to Maxis store to request unblocking. We will do the necessary verification with you before unblocking your device.
For blocking in Maxis home network: 1 working day

For unblocking in Maxis home network: 1 working day

For domestic blocking between operator (not launch yet): 3 working days

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The FAQ’s are meant for clarification purposes only. The FAQ’s may be modified from time to time. Please refer Terms of Use and Terms & Conditions of the products and/or services for more information.