KUCHING: Malaysia’s e-commerce legislative review has reached its final stage as the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) concluded its last Engagement Session (SLU) here today.
KPDN Deputy Minister, Senator Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh, said the session marks the end of a series of nationwide consultations that began on April 15, 2024, and the ministry expects to complete the drafting process by October 15.
“All feedback gathered throughout these sessions will be consolidated into the new bill.
“We aim to finalise preparations in the coming months and, if possible, table the legislation in Parliament during the first sitting next March,” she told reporters after the engagement session.
Fuziah explained that the framework is designed to create a balanced and inclusive e-commerce ecosystem, offering equal protection for consumers, sellers, platform operators, logistics companies, and affiliates.
To ensure the law reflects current realities, KPDN appointed consultants to work closely with the ministry and conducted focus group discussions, stakeholder interviews, and academic consultations.
One of the key challenges highlighted during the Kuching session was logistics and infrastructure, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, where limited connectivity often delays deliveries.
“In Sarawak, sellers face difficulties due to road network constraints and long distances, leading to delivery delays. These setbacks affect their reputations as platforms impose penalties when estimated timelines are not met,” she said.
Fuziah revealed that stakeholder feedback prompted the ministry to reconsider the legal status of marketing affiliates, who are currently treated as part of the sellers but often operate independently by promoting products on digital platforms without owning them.
“Sellers raised concerns about affiliates failing to follow marketing scripts, while affiliates argued they should not be held responsible for product-related issues since they only act as intermediaries. We are looking at redefining affiliates as a separate category under the new law to ensure fairness,” she explained.
She stressed that the upcoming legislation will provide clearer rules on logistics management, affiliate roles, platform accountability, and consumer protection to ensure a structured and competitive digital marketplace.
“With this framework, we aim to strengthen Malaysia’s e-commerce environment and make it fair, sustainable, and inclusive for all players in the industry,” she added.
