PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) held an engagement session with e-commerce platform providers, government ministries and agencies today (Oct 7) to discuss strengthening consumer protection and safety in the e-commerce ecosystem.
In a press release, the agency writes that the session follows up on public concern regarding consumer safety and legal compliance, in line with Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil's emphasis on strengthening regulation through cooperation between ministries, enforcement agencies, and platform providers.
It brought together representatives from e-commerce providers and marketplace platforms including Grab, Lazada Malaysia/Alibaba, Facebook Marketplace, Pinduoduo, Shein, Shopee Malaysia and TikTok Shop.
It further involved the Communications Ministry, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, Health Ministry, Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD), Energy Commission, Sirim, Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), Online Safety Committee, and Communications and Multimedia Content Forum.
Alongside consumer safety and protection, the session further stressed the need to create a balanced business environment between online business and physical premises.
It also considered feedback from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the retail sector on the effects of e-commerce growth on their businesses, along with its implications for the courier industry.
The discussion also focused on the responsibility of platforms to reinforce seller identity verification and take reasonable steps to ensure products sold adhere to both legislative requirements and the regulations of the relevant authorities.
Platforms also need to increase monitoring and the use of technology to detect and take action against the listing of restricted, dangerous, or illegal goods.
Such efforts serve to fulfil the requirement for a more organised cooperation mechanism between the platforms and enforcement agencies, along with investigations and enforcement in their respective jurisdictions and applicable laws.
