Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has proposed a new law to be drafted specifically to regulate e-commerce to ensure it is more organised and effective at the national level. Its deputy minister, Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh, highlighted the proposal’s foundation on three main pillars: clearer industry responsibility, more effective enforcement, and comprehensive protection for consumers and small businesses in the digital ecosystem.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, KPDN aims to ensure that the e-commerce ecosystem is innovative, safe, transparent, and ethical, emphasising the importance of cooperation from all stakeholders. The engagement session involving various stakeholders, including industry representatives, digital platforms, and consumer protection organisations, was organised by KPDN to gather constructive input for strengthening the draft of the new legislation.

Fuziah stressed the need to update existing e-commerce legislation to remain relevant and effective in regulating the rapidly evolving digital ecosystem. She noted the importance of these improvements to accommodate the dynamic changes in the online business landscape and to enhance consumer protection against challenges and risks in digital transactions.

E-commerce is increasingly becoming a part of Malaysians’ lifestyle and a significant driver of the country’s digital economy. However, its rapid growth is accompanied by risks such as fraud, unsafe products, and cross-border enforcement challenges. Fuziah indicated that the E-Commerce Legal Review Study results underscored the necessity for a new, comprehensive legal framework to ensure more organised and effective e-commerce governance at the national level.