KUCHING: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) recorded 14,411 online transaction complaints last year, making it the highest category of consumer grievances in 2023, while 2024 has so far seen 10,488 cases, placing it as the second-highest source of complaints.
In response, KPDN is undertaking a comprehensive review of Malaysia’s e-commerce legislation to strengthen consumer protection, improve enforcement, and create a safer and more competitive digital ecosystem.
KPDN Deputy Minister, Senator Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh, said the review is crucial to address the growing challenges arising from the rapid expansion of e-commerce in Malaysia.
“E-commerce is no longer an alternative but a necessity in our daily lives. However, its fast-paced growth has also brought complex issues, from misleading advertisements and counterfeit products to cross-border enforcement,” she said when officiating the E-Commerce Legislative Review Engagement Session at the Sheraton Hotel here today.
The Kuching session follows similar engagement series in Putrajaya on July 17 and Sabah on August 9, underscoring KPDN’s commitment to gathering input from stakeholders across the country, including Borneo.
Fuziah explained that Malaysia currently relies on the Electronic Commerce Act 2006 and the Digital Signature Act 1997, which mainly address technical aspects but fall short of covering modern online business practices, consumer rights, and platform accountability.
She said the ministry intends to introduce a comprehensive framework aimed at boosting consumer confidence, improving market transparency, and defining clear responsibilities for digital platform providers, alongside stronger enforcement measures.
She added that KPDN is benchmarking the reforms against international standards, citing Singapore, Australia, and the European Union as examples of countries with more advanced e-commerce legislation.
KPDN is working closely with industry players, platform providers, enforcement agencies, consumer associations, and academics to ensure the proposed law is inclusive and effective.
The ministry also hopes the new framework will drive the transformation of Malaysia’s digital economy and position the country as a regional leader in responsible e-commerce practices.
