Madani: The Finance Ministry (MoF) and the Ministry of Communications have announced plans to implement regulatory measures, including mandatory registration for e-commerce platforms, in a move aimed at safeguarding consumer interests and safety.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, the government spokesman, revealed that this decision was taken during today's Cabinet meeting. This follows complaints received by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim from various stakeholders, including e-commerce platform operators and brick-and-mortar retailers. The complaints highlighted the lack of adequate regulation of e-commerce platforms, especially regarding the sale of electrical and electronic products that may not adhere to safety standards and concerns over the halal status of certain products.
The Communications Minister emphasized that the primary aim of these measures is to protect consumers. He clarified that there is no intention to shut down or restrict e-commerce platforms, but rather to ensure that products comply with the necessary standards and regulations. For instance, electrical products must meet the standards set by the Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM), and products claiming halal status must comply with national halal standards.
Fahmi elaborated that the MoF, along with the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), already have registration processes and mechanisms in place. The ministries plan to engage in discussions and hold sessions with e-commerce platform operators to address regulatory concerns. Drawing from MCMC's previous experience with licensing frameworks for social media platforms, similar engagement strategies could be applied to e-commerce platforms.
Additionally, Fahmi reported that MCMC had received 1,964 complaints regarding e-commerce platforms, including scams, from January 1, 2025, to the present. Among these, 191 complaints were about electrical or electronic products, and four concerned the authenticity of products' halal status. The government remains committed to investigating these issues to ensure consumer protection.