Kuala lumpur: The Pro Bono Commercial Mediation Initiative by the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) will be launched on May 18 to enhance access to a faster and more cost-effective justice system. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said announced that this initiative aligns with the objectives behind the establishment of the MADANI Mediation Centre (PMM).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, under the initiative, AIAC will offer free mediation services to resolve 26 types of commercial disputes involving claims valued at RM250,000 and below. Azalina Othman Said detailed that the scope of disputes encompasses various sectors such as services, supplies, buying and selling, trade and marketing, real estate, companies and partnerships, as well as e-commerce and the digital economy.

Starting May 18, 2026, individuals and businesses can refer these commercial disputes directly to AIAC or handle them online. Azalina confirmed that 170 local and international mediators have shown their support for AIAC and their readiness to mediate these disputes without charge.

She emphasized that this initiative is expected to significantly benefit small and medium enterprises, entrepreneurs, industry players, including those in the creative industry, and individuals dealing with small-value disputes. The Cabinet was recently informed about the national ambition to establish the PMM to support the MADANI Government's agenda of enhancing public access to the country's justice system through mediation mechanisms.

Azalina highlighted that the PMM would play a crucial role in strengthening Malaysia's mediation services comprehensively. This includes intensifying advocacy for mediation, improving mediator competence nationwide, and increasing public confidence in mediation processes. She also mentioned plans to establish strategic cooperation with relevant agencies and institutions inclusively.