Armizan says new e‑commerce Bill will tighten platform and seller accountability

PAPAR, Aug 23 — The proposed law to replace the current Electronic Commerce Act 2006 aims to tighten platform and seller accountability in the e-commerce sector. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Armizan Mohd Ali stated that the new legislation will replace the previous act as it only confirmed transactions without specifying legal responsibilities.

This new Electronic Commerce Act would establish a comprehensive legal framework for online and electronic commerce, while the existing act lacks the necessary authority and clarity in outlining accountability. The act has been submitted to the Cabinet at the policy level two months ago, and the drafting phase is underway, with the bill expected to be presented at the upcoming parliamentary session.

Armizan made these remarks after inaugurating the Program Sentuhan Kasih, Rahmah Madani Sales, and Safe Internet Campaign. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recently expressed that the government aims to expedite the drafting of the e-Commerce Bill to address the sector's facilitation and regulation aspects as digital business continues to grow rapidly.

Armizan highlighted the importance of the Safe Internet Campaign, organized by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Communications Ministry, due to the increase in various cybercrime threats. These threats include cyberbullying, financial fraud, love scams, and job offer scams that result in victims becoming unwitting accomplices to the fraud syndicate.

The government has introduced specific legislation, the Online Safety Act 2025 (ONSA), and guidelines from Bank Negara Malaysia to address these issues. Armizan stressed that the most critical aspect is users' responsibility through awareness, courage to report scams immediately to the National Scam Response Centre (NSRC), as this allows government agencies to take swift action to protect the finances of affected victims.