Fahmi: Courier scams are everywhere, so let’s fight back with Parcel Shield

Shah Alam, October 31 — The Malaysian government is ramping up measures to shield consumers from fraud schemes targeting courier services and e-commerce platforms, as revealed by Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil. The new initiative, named Parcel Shield, is spearheaded by the Postal Forum and aims to heighten consumer awareness against a range of fraudulent tactics, such as posing as courier companies, sending deceptive delivery notices, sending phishing links, and engaging in cash on delivery (COD) fraud.

Fahmi emphasized that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will partner with courier firms to amplify the initiative's impact. Both entities plan to disseminate public service messages via radio and television to guarantee that, particularly Malaysian consumers, gain the full benefits of this initiative.

During a press conference marking the launch of Parcel Shield alongside National Courier Day 2026, Fahmi stood alongside key figures including Abdul Halim Hamzah, the Secretary-General of the Communications Ministry, Nurhafizah Hanifah, CEO of the Postal Forum, and Ronald Tan, President of the Malaysian Express Delivery Companies Association.

Fahmi also disclosed that e-commerce platforms identified 13,045 prohibited items linked to fraud, gambling, and services between January 1 and the present day. Furthermore, Fahmi hinted at the Cabinet's preliminary agreement to amend the Postal Services Act 2012 as part of broader efforts to combat such illicit activities, alongside provisions to safeguard the interests of courier workers.

The minister acknowledged that the proposed amendment is currently at the policy level, with preparation expected to span several months due to regulatory compliance requirements. Fahmi projected the amendment could be introduced to Parliament by mid- or late next year. The act's amendment also intends to strengthen provisions for the welfare and protection of courier workers, aligning with the government's rollout of the Postal Fund initiative, slated for launch in the first quarter of 2027.

Fahmi intends to convene the MCMC and the Communications Ministry to collaborate with licensed delivery companies in drafting these amendments to the Postal Services Act 2012.