No shutdown, but Fahmi says e-commerce platforms to face tighter rules over electrical, halal products

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 26 - The government will promptly bolster scrutiny of e-commerce platforms in response to public complaints, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil announced today. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim directed the Finance Ministry and Communications Ministry to assess regulatory changes after receiving grievances from constituents, e-commerce operators, and brick-and-mortar merchants.

Fahmi highlighted concerns over insufficient oversight of certain platforms, specifically regarding the quality of electrical and electronic goods sold and the authenticity of halal-certified products. During a weekly press conference post-Cabinet, Fahmi detailed that some platforms operate under Malaysian-based companies, while others lack local registration.

The government does not intend to shut down these platforms but aims for online sales to adhere to Malaysian standards, such as compliance with Sirim for electrical goods and halal standards for religious products. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) received 1,964 complaints concerning e-commerce platforms between January 1, 2025, and August 25, 2025, with 1,147 complaints filed last year and 817 so far this year.

Notably, 161 complaints pertained to electrical or electronic products, while four concerned the halal status of items sold online. Fahmi revealed that the MCMC would collaborate with e-commerce platforms, leveraging its regulatory expertise from social media platforms. He indicated that a licensing framework previously employed for social media platforms could provide insights into managing these interactions.