Kuala Lumpur:The Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA) has highlighted the importance of the E-Commerce Bill in supporting a robust digital economy, safeguarding consumer rights, and ensuring fair market competition.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MRCA president Datuk Liew Bin stated that all businesses in Malaysia, whether local or international, must comply with statutory requirements regarding taxation, product safety, consumer protection, and commercial compliance. He clarified that the association is not against foreign investment or the expansion of e-commerce, suggesting that online and traditional retail can coexist to grow the market.

MRCA also proposed that the legislation should define the responsibilities of e-commerce platforms and merchants, increase oversight on non-compliant goods, improve seller verification and dispute resolution processes, and enforce tax transparency to ensure fair competition between cross-border and local sellers.

Additionally, MRCA advised the government to enhance digital adoption support for domestic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enabling them to develop omnichannel capabilities, strengthen their brand presence, and access international markets. The association emphasized that while competition is welcome, it must be fair and should not undermine physical retail, but rather create value for consumers, merchants, and the economy.

The association warned that the retail sector faces ongoing challenges such as rising operational costs and increased competition from online platforms. It urged the government to improve access to SME financing, support digital adoption, integrate artificial intelligence, enhance talent development, and promote homegrown brands, while maintaining regular stakeholder consultations to evaluate policy effectiveness.

MRCA acknowledged positive developments in Budget 2027 but emphasized that success depends not just on allocations and policy pronouncements, but on translating these into private investments, job creation, productivity improvements, and strong consumption. Liew Bin concluded by stressing the importance of achieving fair worker remuneration while ensuring business viability, and the need for a transparent and equitable digital economy for the sustainable growth of Malaysia's retail sector.