Govt to review registration, regulatory process for e-commerce platforms

The Malaysian government is set to review the registration and regulatory process for e-commerce platforms following a surge in complaints, Finance Minister Fadzil stated. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil revealed that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had received 1,964 complaints related to e-commerce platforms and products between January 2025 and Aug 25 this year.

The government's decision to address these concerns stemmed from public grievances, input from e-commerce operators, and traders who expressed worries over unregulated platforms and the products they sell, including whether they adhere to halal certification standards. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim directed the finance and communications ministries to investigate what immediate actions could be taken to tackle these issues, according to Fahmi who spoke to reporters after a Cabinet meeting.

Of the 1,964 complaints, 161 were concerning electrical and electronic products, while only four related to the halal status of products. The government's objective is not to shut down e-commerce platforms but to ensure that all online sold items comply with Malaysian standards. This includes compliance with Sirim requirements for electrical and electronic products and adherence to halal certification standards for items claiming to be halal-certified.