‘Review of e-commerce laws to be completed by August'
Published on: Saturday, June 21, 2025
Published on: Sat, Jun 21, 2025
By: Bernama Text Size: For illustrative purposes only. KOTA KINABALU: The review of e-commerce legislation, which began in April last year to develop a more responsive legal framework for regulating the industry and protecting consumer interests, is expected to be completed by August. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the review is now in its final phase before the recommendations are submitted to the Cabinet for approval and subsequently tabled in Parliament for the drafting or amendment of relevant laws. He said the key laws under the ministry's jurisdiction include the Consumer Protection Act 1999 and the Electronic Commerce Act 2006. 'Our aim is to finalise the review by the end of this year, including securing Cabinet approval on whether to introduce a new legal framework or amend existing laws to make them more conducive, comprehensive, and relevant to current challenges,' he told reporters after launching the Sabah-level 2025 Business Digitalisation Programme at Universiti Malaysia Sabah today. Armizan added that the review also seeks to identify gaps in existing legislation, assess regulatory scope, and benchmark Malaysia's e-commerce laws against international practices He said the review also considers issues and needs of both the industry and consumers, and will propose new legislation or amendments along with the most effective regulatory approach for Malaysia's e-commerce landscape.
Advertisement 'At present, there is no direct regulation of platform operators or sellers in the e-commerce space. No decision has been made yet on whether to introduce a licensing regime or adopt a compliance-based approach. 'Our objective is not merely to establish a legal framework, but to create a regulatory mechanism that supports the growth of businesses using e-commerce platforms. We do not want future legislation to become a hindrance to the sector's potential,' he said. Armizan also announced that a townhall session with industry players will be held on July 17 to gather feedback and input on the proposed regulatory framework. He said several engagement sessions have already taken place, involving 63 entities from the public and private sectors, as well as industry representatives, in addition to surveys with e-commerce firms and users. 'All feedback obtained from these engagements and the review process will be thoroughly analysed and consolidated into comprehensive policy recommendations,' he said. Armizan noted that the e-commerce sector is projected to generate RM1.65 trillion in revenue this year. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
34 minutes ago
- Barnama
Ice Sculpting Faces Talent Shortage Despite Strong Demand
ALOR GAJAH, June 21 (Bernama) -- Often the highlight of official events, luxurious weddings and product launches, ice sculptures add a touch of elegance and artistry to any occasion. However, industry players are increasingly concerned that without young talent and formal training to sustain the craft, this visually captivating art form may gradually fade, despite strong demand from the hospitality sector. Bukit Beruang Community College (KK) culinary lecturer Mohd Farid Yusoff said that with only a few five-star hotels employing professional ice sculptors, they had become highly sought after by hotels, caterers and event planners seeking unique table centrepieces. 'There are fewer than 10 professional ice sculptors in Malaysia, and we are making efforts to increase that number to preserve this ice carving legacy. 'The legacy of ice sculpting must be preserved, especially as veteran chefs like Chef Jeffrey, Chef John and Chef Haron, who represented Malaysia at global events including in Sapporo, Japan, are no longer active. We really need to find fresh talent to continue their legacy,' he said when met at the Melaka Cuisine Challenge 2025 at Freeport A'Famosa Outlet here today. Malaysia still lacked structured platforms for ice sculptors, unlike Japan, South Korea and the United States, where formal training and competitions were already in place, despite the presence of promising talent among culinary Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students. He added that the high cost of equipment and materials, such as ice-cutting machines and industrial-grade refrigerators, had made it difficult for most educational institutions to offer ice sculpting courses, thus limiting opportunities for young people and new players in the field. 'Due to these constraints, KK Bukit Beruang started offering short-term certificate-level training in ice carving to give young people a chance to learn and improve their skills. 'We're promoting it as it is also part of the TVET stream, while also helping students realise that this art form, though short-lived, can have a lasting impact and offer a rewarding income,' he said.
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysia exploring new palm oil markets amidst geopolitical conflicts
KOTA BARU: The government is exploring new markets for Malaysia's palm oil in an effort to reduce the nation's reliance on major exporting markets affected by geopolitical conflicts. Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said the ongoing Israel-Iran crisis and the Russia-Ukraine conflict have disrupted export shipments to certain zones. "Malaysia currently exports goods worth RM186 billion annually to global markets, including palm oil, but part of these markets are now considered high-risk due to armed conflicts. "As such, we are exploring new markets, namely, countries that have yet to purchase Malaysian palm oil or cooking oil. "This is crucial to ensure that our export levels remain stable," he said, adding that the country is currently trading with nearly 80 nations, with plans to expand its reach even further. Speaking to reporters after attending the 'Dialogue with KPK' programme at the Mara Poly-Tech College, Kota Baru here today, the minister also urged plantation operators and smallholders to work closely with the government to ensure the resilience of the national commodities sector on the global stage. He said planters and operators must work with the government to address challenges at the international level. "The European market is increasingly emphasising environmental sustainability and biodiversity-friendly practices in palm oil procurement. "To enter their markets, we must prove that our plantations meet their standards, comply with sustainability principles and preserve biodiversity," he said. Johari said that providing good service and meeting buyer requirements should be a priority to help turn new buyers into long-term customers. "We are asking them to buy more from us, but the service we provide is just as important," he said. — Bernama
Barnama
an hour ago
- Barnama
Japan To Provide Defence Equipment To Thailand, 7 Other Nations
TOKYO, June 21 (Bernama-Kyodo) -- Japan plans to supply defence equipment to Thailand, Tonga and six other nations in the current fiscal year as security aid, a government source said Friday, in bid to ensure safe sea lanes in the Indo-Pacific region where China is evolving its military posture. According to Kyodo news agency the eight countries -- also including East Timor, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Sri Lanka -- are expected to be designated as the recipients of Japan's "official security assistance" (OSA) framework, designed for like-minded partners, for fiscal 2025 from April, the source said. The government is considering providing them Japanese-made drones to help in their natural disaster relief and maritime surveillance missions, according to the source.
