KUALA LUMPUR: Proposed changes to e-commerce regulations aimed at making business easier for young Malaysian entrepreneurs could be approved by October, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said current e-commerce laws are being reviewed to make the digital ecosystem more accessible to small businesses and start-ups.
He said the government was prepared to listen to industry players and make necessary adjustments if their proposals could benefit businesses and the public.
“If it is genuinely attractive, beneficial and provides opportunities for the people and young Malaysians to do business, I can approve it by early October,” he said when launching the TikTok Shop Summit Malaysia 2026 here yesterday.
However, Anwar said efforts to ease online business must be accompanied by appropriate safeguards to prevent abuse of digital platforms.
The government, he said, wanted to encourage legitimate businesses while ensuring ethical standards and consumer protection were not compromised.
“Every new effort or initiative will also have its shortcomings and challenges. We want to encourage legitimate, bona fide businesses, but we know this space is also open to those who may abuse it,” he said.
Anwar stressed that ethics must remain central to digital commerce, ensuring online products meet quality standards and consumers are protected from deception.
He said the government would also continue looking at ways to improve access to financing and other support for small entrepreneurs starting businesses without an established track record.
He said digital platforms, new technologies and artificial intelligence could open up business opportunities previously beyond the reach of many young Malaysians.
He noted that the government will act as a facilitator rather than interfere excessively, giving digital businesses the support needed to scale up.
“Don’t assume that I have expertise in this field, but the difference is that the government leadership is prepared to listen and make adjustments to ensure things work,” he said.
Earlier this month, Deputy Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Fuziah Salleh noted that the upcoming e-commerce Bill will tighten oversight of foreign platforms and cross-border trade, holding overseas merchants to local standards.
Meanwhile, Anwar announced that the government will host its inaugural online Ihsan Rahmah 9.9 sale on Sept 9 in conjunction with Malaysia Day.
He said the initiative would allow Malaysians nationwide to purchase essential goods at affordable prices.
The Rahmah Sales programme offers essential goods at discounts of between 10% and 30%.
