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Malaysian Reserve
5 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
MAMBA: Avoid politicising e-commerce fee hikes, focus on MSME sustainability
THE Malaysian Micro Business Association (MAMBA) has urged for a balanced and constructive conversation around recent fee changes by e-commerce platforms, warning against scare tactics and politicisation. 'We must avoid scare tactics and politicising important conversations that directly affect thousands of Malaysian sellers,' said MAMBA secretary-general Alvin Low Wei Yan. 'There needs to be room for discussion—so that everyone, from sellers to shoppers to platforms—can win,' he said. Low said the influx of cheap imports, especially from China amid the ongoing trade war, is already threatening local MSMEs, adding that fee adjustments may be necessary to ensure platforms can continue investing in infrastructure and services. 'Good customer experience is not just a buyer issue – it's a seller issue too,' he said. 'Sellers benefit when platforms are seen as trustworthy and efficient.' MAMBA stressed the importance of collaboration between government, platforms, and seller groups to protect MSMEs, warning that blanket criticism and punitive calls could harm the broader digital economy. 'Calling for authorities to threaten or punish platforms simply for raising fees is counter-productive and risks undermining the very ecosystem we are trying to strengthen,' said Low. –TMR
The Sun
5 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Mamba seeks balanced dialogue on e-commerce fees
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Micro Business Association (Mamba) is calling for a more balanced and constructive dialogue surrounding the recent adjustments to e-commerce platform fee structures. Secretary-general Alvin Low Wei Yan said that while the association understands the concerns raised by various stakeholders, Mamba believes the issue demands a holistic perspective—one that considers both the sustainability of digital platforms and the competitiveness of local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). 'We must avoid scare tactics and the politicisation of important conversations that directly impact thousands of Malaysian sellers. 'There must be room for discussion—so that everyone, from sellers to shoppers to platforms—can benefit,' he said in a statement. Mamba acknowledges that price hikes are never easy, but stresses that global dynamics—particularly the escalating US-China trade war and rising tariffs—are likely to result in a surge of low-cost Chinese products being redirected into Southeast Asian markets, including Malaysia. 'We are already seeing cheap imports entering the market through new and existing e-commerce platforms targeting Malaysian consumers, undercutting local sellers and threatening their long-term survival,' Low said. 'This trend is expected to accelerate in the coming months, and we must prepare for it strategically.' Mamba urges both the government and local sellers to support and collaborate with platforms that prioritise MSMEs within their ecosystem. To counter current pressures, Mamba believes platforms must continue investing in infrastructure, tools, and services that enhance customer satisfaction such as faster delivery, reliable refund processes, improved search functions, and AI-driven product recommendations. These enhancements not only attract buyers but also increase traffic, visibility, and conversion rates for sellers. 'Customer experience is not just a buyer issue—it's a seller issue too,' said Low. 'When platforms are seen as trustworthy, convenient, and efficient, everyone benefits. Sellers operating on such platforms are better positioned to build customer loyalty and drive repeat business.' 'Going it alone is not only costly—it's unsustainable,' he added. 'For any e-commerce platform to fund major upgrades in AI tools, logistics, fraud prevention, and customer support independently, it requires significant investment. If platforms are unable to reinvest due to pricing pressure or policy uncertainty, the entire seller ecosystem will suffer in the long run.' Mamba believes that joint investments by both sellers and platforms will yield long-term benefits. According to data and analytics firm GlobalData, Malaysia's e-commerce market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.5% between 2024 and 2028, reaching RM67.1 billion (US$14.7 billion) by 2028. This outlook highlights the long-term potential of the digital economy, and the need to stay competitive through reinvestment and innovation. At the same time, Mamba emphasises the importance of balancing MSME needs with rising customer expectations. Poor buyer experiences caused by delivery delays, miscommunication, or a lack of transparency—have a direct impact on seller performance, ratings, and returns. 'That's why blanket criticism of e-commerce platforms may not be helpful,' said Low. 'Calling for punitive actions against platforms simply for adjusting fees is counter-productive and risks undermining the very ecosystem we are trying to strengthen.' Mamba calls for open, collaborative dialogue between the government, platforms, and seller associations to chart a sustainable and inclusive path forward—ensuring Malaysian MSMEs continue to thrive amid global headwinds.
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
More balanced, constructive dialogue on e-commerce fee changes, urges Mamba
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Micro Business Association (Mamba) has called for a more balanced and constructive dialogue on the recent fee structure changes by e-commerce platforms. The platform fee changes, set to take effect on July 16, reportedly include a new 54 sen support fee per order, higher transaction charges and increased commission rates for 'pay later' services. The association said this issue requires a holistic perspective, one that considers both the sustainability of digital platforms and the competitiveness of local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Its secretary-general Alvin Low Wei Yan said it is important to avoid scare tactics and politicising important conversations that directly affect thousands of local sellers. "There needs to be room for discussion so that everyone, from sellers to shoppers to platforms, can win," he said in a statement. While acknowledging that price hikes are never easy, he said current global dynamics, particularly the escalating US-China trade war and imposition of tariffs, may trigger a surge of low-cost Chinese products being redirected into Southeast Asian markets, including Malaysia. "We are already seeing cheap imports entering the market through new and existing e-commerce platforms targeting consumers in Malaysia, undercutting local sellers and threatening their long-term survival. "This trend is likely to accelerate in the months ahead, and we must prepare for it strategically," Low said. He said it is essential for the government and local sellers to work together with platforms that prioritise MSMEs within their ecosystem. To counter current pressures, he said that platforms must continue investing in infrastructure, tools and services that improve customer satisfaction such as faster delivery, reliable refund processes, better search functions and AI-powered product recommendations. These improvements make platforms more attractive to buyers, increase traffic and in turn boost visibility and conversion rates for sellers. "When platforms are seen as trustworthy, convenient and efficient, everyone benefits. Sellers who operate on such platforms stand a better chance of building customer loyalty and driving repeat business," he added. Low said joint investment from both sellers and platforms is vital. This is especially with the e-commerce market projected to reach RM67.1 billion (US$14.7 billion) by 2028. At the same time, Mamba reiterates the significance of balancing the needs of MSMEs with rising customer expectations. It said the poor buyer experiences due to delays, miscommunication or lack of transparency, have a real and direct impact on seller performance, ratings and returns. "That's why blanket criticism against the e-commerce platforms may not be helpful. "Calling for authorities to threaten or punish platforms simply for raising fees is counter-productive and risks undermining the very ecosystem we are trying to strengthen," he added.
Focus Malaysia
5 days ago
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
E-commerce sites must rise to challenges of Malaysia ‘invaded' by cheap Chinese products'
IT IS inevitable that current global dynamics – particularly the escalating US-China trade war and the high US tariffs – are expected to trigger a surge of low-cost Chinese products been re-directed into Southeast Asian markets, including Malaysia. Towards this end, the Malaysian Micro Business Association (MAMBA) has called on e-commerce platforms to continue investing in infrastructure, tools and services that improve customer satisfaction such as faster delivery, reliable refund processes, better search functions and AI-powered product recommendations. 'We are already seeing cheap imports entering the market through new and existing e-commerce platforms targeting consumers in Malaysia, undercutting local sellers and threatening their long-term survival,' observed MAMBA's secretary-general Alvin Low Wei Yan. 'As this trend is likely to accelerate in the months ahead, we must prepare for it strategically.' Low farther expects the proposed improvements to make e-commerce platforms more attractive to buyers, able to increase traffic, hence in turn boost visibility and conversion rates for sellers. 'Good customer experience is not just a buyer issue -it's a seller issue too,' Low pointed out. 'When platforms are seen as trustworthy, convenient and efficient, everyone benefits. Sellers who operate on such platforms stand a better chance of building customer loyalty and driving repeat business.' On this note, Low stressed the importance for e-commerce platforms to independently fund major infrastructure and service upgrades – especially in areas like AI tools, logistics, fraud prevention and customer support – for long-term gain. 'Doing so alone is not only costly but unsustainable because it requires significant investment,' he cautioned. 'That's why it's critical for both the government and local sellers to support and collaborate with platforms that continue to place micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at the centre of their ecosystem. 'If platforms are unable to reinvest due to pricing pressure or policy uncertainty, the entire seller ecosystem will suffer in the long run.' According to data and analytics company GlobalData, the Malaysian e-commerce market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% between 2024 and 2028 to reach RM67.1 bil by 2028. This outlook underscores the long-term potential of the digital marketplace and the importance of staying competitive through reinvestment and innovation. Earlier, MAMBA called for a more balanced and constructive conversation surrounding recent fee structure adjustments by e-commerce platforms. While it understands the concerns raised by various quarters, MAMBA believes that this issue requires a holistic perspective – one that considers both the sustainability of digital platforms and the competitiveness of local MSMEs. 'We must avoid scare tactics and politicising important conversations that directly affect thousands of Malaysian sellers,' asserted Low. 'There needs to be room for discussion so that everyone – from sellers to shoppers to platforms – can win.' – July 15, 2025
BusinessToday
5 days ago
- Business
- BusinessToday
MSMEs Urge Dialogue On e-Commerce Fee Structure Plans
The Malaysian Micro Business Association (MAMBA) has urged for a more balanced and constructive conversation regarding recent fee structure adjustments by e-commerce platforms. The association believes a holistic perspective is needed, one that considers both the sustainability of digital platforms and the competitiveness of local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Alvin Low Wei Yan, Secretary-General of MAMBA, emphasised the need to avoid 'scare tactics and politicising important conversations that directly affect thousands of Malaysian sellers.' He stressed the importance of open discussion to ensure a win-win situation for sellers, shoppers, and platforms alike. MAMBA acknowledged that price hikes are challenging but highlighted current global dynamics, particularly the escalating US-China trade war and the imposition of tariffs. These factors are expected to trigger a surge of low-cost Chinese products being redirected into Southeast Asian markets, including Malaysia. 'We are already seeing cheap imports entering the market through new and existing e-commerce platforms targeting consumers in Malaysia, undercutting local sellers and threatening their long-term survival,' Low stated, anticipating an acceleration of this trend in the coming months. To counter these pressures, MAMBA believes it is critical for both the Government and local sellers to support and collaborate with platforms that continue to prioritize MSMEs. The association stressed that platforms must continue investing in infrastructure, tools, and services to improve customer satisfaction, such as faster delivery, reliable refund processes, better search functions, and AI-powered product recommendations. These improvements are seen as vital for attracting buyers, increasing traffic, and boosting visibility and conversion rates for sellers. Low underscored that 'good customer experience is not just a buyer issue—it's a seller issue too.' He added that platforms need significant investment to independently fund upgrades in areas like AI tools, logistics, fraud prevention, and customer support. If platforms are unable to reinvest due to pricing pressure or policy uncertainty, the entire seller ecosystem will suffer in the long run. MAMBA believes these joint investments by both sellers and platforms will ultimately yield positive returns. Citing data from GlobalData, MAMBA noted that the Malaysian e-commerce market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% between 2024 and 2028, reaching MYR67.1 billion (USD14.7 billion) by 2028. This outlook, they argue, reinforces the importance of reinvestment and innovation for long-term competitiveness. The association reiterated the importance of balancing MSME needs with rising customer expectations, cautioning against 'blanket criticism' of e-commerce platforms. Low warned that 'calling for authorities to threaten or punish platforms simply for raising fees is counter-productive and risks undermining the very ecosystem we are trying to strengthen.' MAMBA calls for an open dialogue between the government, platforms, and seller associations to chart a sustainable and inclusive path forward, ensuring Malaysian MSMEs continue to thrive amidst mounting global pressures. Related
