PUTRAJAYA, Oct 7 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) today held an engagement session with e-commerce platform providers and relevant ministries and agencies to coordinate measures to strengthen consumer protection and the safety of Malaysia’s e-commerce ecosystem.
MCMC said the session followed public concerns over consumer safety and legal compliance in the e-commerce ecosystem, in line with Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil’s emphasis on the need to strengthen regulation through cooperation among ministries, enforcement agencies and platform providers.
In a statement today, MCMC said the session also highlighted the need to create a balanced business environment between online businesses and physical premises.
“The discussions also took into account feedback from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the retail sector on the impact of e-commerce growth on their businesses, including its implications for the courier industry.
“The discussions also focused on platform providers’ responsibility to strengthen seller identity verification and take appropriate measures to ensure that products offered comply with legal requirements and the regulations of relevant authorities,” it said.
MCMC said platforms also needed to enhance monitoring and the use of technology to detect and take prompt action against listings involving prohibited, dangerous or illegal goods.
“These efforts are aimed at establishing a more structured cooperation mechanism between platforms and government agencies, as well as facilitating investigations and enforcement action by the relevant agencies according to their respective jurisdictions and applicable laws,” it said.
MCMC said it would continue coordinating with ministries, government agencies and industry players to ensure practical follow-up measures to strengthen consumer protection, legal compliance and platform accountability towards a safer and more trusted e-commerce ecosystem.
The e-commerce platforms involved included Grab, Lazada Malaysia/Alibaba, Facebook Marketplace, Pinduoduo, SHEIN, Shopee Malaysia and TikTok Shop.
Ministries and agencies involved were the Communications Ministry, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, Health Ministry, Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, Royal Malaysia Police, Customs Department, Energy Commission, SIRIM Berhad, Companies Commission of Malaysia, Online Safety Committee, and Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia.
-- BERNAMA