Malaysia revises E-Commerce Bill to add licensing regime
The cabinet requested changes before tabling, while a lawmaker raised concerns about platform fees reaching up to 25 per cent.
Malaysia is revising its proposed E-Commerce Bill after the cabinet requested a licensing framework and other changes, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Seri Armizan Mohd Ali told the Dewan Rakyat.
Armizan said his ministry had been prepared to table the legislation before the cabinet sought improvements. Responding to Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman (Muda-Muar), he apologised for the delay and pledged to accelerate the process. He said he had sought help from other ministries and the Attorney-General’s Chambers following repeated instructions to speed up tabling.
The proposed legislation seeks to make online marketplaces and sellers more accountable. Armizan said consumer safeguards would include tougher enforcement against overseas e-commerce platforms selling goods and services directly to Malaysian consumers.
He said the bill would define the obligations of platforms, sellers and consumers, including accountability for foreign operators over consumer protection and transparent transactions. It would also make dispute resolution quicker, simpler and less costly, and align Malaysian legislation with international model laws to support cross-border trade.
Syed Saddiq had urged faster action, saying Shopee and TikTok Shop had repeatedly increased platform fees since the bill was announced in 2023, with charges reaching up to 25 per cent. He warned that small traders risked being forced to close.
