Samenta urges 20% cap on delivery platform commissions

The Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia (Samenta) has called for a 20% cap on delivery platform commissions for merchants in Malaysia, according to an official statement. The recommendation comes as the government and Grab Holdings Ltd introduce a RM160 million package to enhance driver and delivery rider net incomes in the 2027 budget.

Samenta president William Ng highlighted that current delivery platforms charge merchant commissions of up to 32% per transaction, along with delivery surcharges, advertising packages, and arbitrary fees. Ng emphasized that Samenta supports fair social safety nets for gig workers but opposes cross-subsidization of driver incentives through higher merchant fees.

The proposed 20% cap on commissions aims to prevent platform operators from shifting driver incentive costs to merchants. Additionally, Samenta welcomed the government's decision to reduce income tax for micro, small, and medium enterprises by 1%, providing immediate liquidity for reinvestment. The association also appreciated the exemption of SMEs with annual turnovers below RM50 million from the new RM2,000 minimum wage, as well as the increased financing and guarantee facilities for SMEs.