{
  "id": 6376260,
  "title": "Govt To Tighten E-Commerce Regulation Over Sale Of Prohibited Goods",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/govt-to-tighten-e-commerce-regulation-over-sale-of-prohibited-goods",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-09T02:51:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Lowyat.NET",
    "slug": "lowyat-net",
    "url": "https://www.lowyat.net/2026/403731/govt-e-commerce-prohibited-goods/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Malaysian government is aiming to bolster e-commerce regulations due to increasing worries about prohibited goods, particularly drugs, being sold on online platforms. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil revealed that his ministry is set to collaborate with the Home Ministry, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, police, and other pertinent agencies to tackle this issue. Fahmi pointed out existing gaps in Malaysia's e-commerce infrastructure, primarily because platforms are not currently licensed. He emphasized the necessity of addressing these gaps as part of enhancing oversight of online commerce. \"There are indeed gaps in the e-commerce system,\" Fahmi stated during a Huawei WAIC Connect Malaysia 2026 Symposium. \"Currently, e-commerce is unlicensed, so we must investigate this matter.\" This intensified push for tighter regulation stems from concerns surrounding the online sale of drugs, including fentanyl and a substance known as \"piu-piu.\" Fahmi had previously mentioned that the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) had been directed to engage with e-commerce platforms regarding the issue, adding that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had also addressed the growing concern. Another worry is the platforms' capacity to prevent prohibited products from being sold through fake accounts. Although most Malaysian e-commerce platforms ban such sales, Fahmi noted that one platform seemed too lax in this regard, allowing the sale of drugs via fake accounts. He highlighted that these accounts could be deceitful and that platforms needed to address how these accounts are generated and utilized to sell prohibited goods. Although removing search keywords may make these products harder to find, it would not resolve the underlying problem. Fahmi stressed that platforms should take measures to prevent the creation of fake accounts for the purpose of selling drugs. The government is also developing a new e-commerce law to supersede the Electronic Commerce Act 2006. The proposed legislation aims to enhance accountability among platforms, sellers, and other participants in the e-commerce ecosystem, as the present law primarily focuses on acknowledging electronic transactions rather than providing comprehensive regulation of online commerce. The draft law is currently being shaped with input from the Attorney-General's Chambers, Communications Ministry, MCMC, and Digital Ministry. The government anticipates that the proposed e-Commerce Bill will be presented during an upcoming parliamentary session, although specific obligations and enforcement powers have yet to be disclosed.",
  "summary": "The government is looking to strengthen e-commerce regulation in Malaysia amid growing concerns over the sale of prohibited goods, including drugs, through online platforms. Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said his ministry is prepared to work with the Home Ministry, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN), police, and other relevant agencies to […] The post Govt To…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}