Fahmi: Courier sector to be formally regulated under amended Postal Services Act amid misuse for illegal deliveries

KUALA LUMPUR, August 20 — The Malaysian government plans to amend the Postal Services Act in order to better regulate the courier sector and prevent its misuse for illegal deliveries, including the transportation of drugs and prohibited items. Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil announced that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Communications Ministry are reviewing the Act due to concerns over couriers being used to smuggle controlled substances.

Fahmi highlighted that the MCMC has been collaborating with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and has held engagement sessions with courier companies in Malaysia. The government seeks assistance from courier companies to ensure that all delivered products do not pose security risks or violate the law. The proposed amendments aim to formally regulate the courier industry under the Act, enabling the enforcement of necessary security measures by the PDRM.

These changes are anticipated to be introduced during the first or second parliamentary session of next year. This regulatory move is part of a broader initiative to curb the exploitation of delivery platforms by criminal syndicates, who often exploit weaknesses by using fake identities and third-party addresses to move illegal substances undetected.