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

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 26 -- The Malaysian government is set to introduce stricter regulations for e-commerce platforms in response to complaints about substandard products, according to Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has directed the Finance Ministry and Communications Ministry to explore regulatory measures following public complaints, Fahmi stated during a press conference.

The issues raised primarily revolved around electrical and electronic goods, as well as halal-certified products, raising concerns over inadequate oversight.

Fahmi clarified that while the platforms would not be shut down, the government aims to ensure that products sold online adhere to Malaysian standards. Electrical and electronic products must conform to Sirim standards, while halal-certified items must meet the country's specific halal criteria. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has received 1,964 complaints related to e-commerce platforms from January 1, 2025 to August 25 this year, with 817 complaints filed within the same period this year. Out of these, 118 cases are still under investigation by the MCMC.

Among the complaints, 161 were associated with electrical or electronic products, and four were related to the authenticity of halal status for online products. Fahmi noted that the MCMC's experience in regulating social media platforms could be applied to e-commerce platforms. He suggested that MCMC could facilitate discussions and consultation sessions with these platforms, drawing on the lessons learned from regulating social media.