Latest news with #MalaysianMicroBusinessesAssociation
Focus Malaysia
2 days ago
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
Survey: Malaysians against higher delivery fees, warns of reduced online shopping
THE Malaysian Micro Businesses Association (MAMBA) has raised concern over growing discussions around the introduction of a standard minimum delivery fee, warning that such a move could significantly reduce online shopping activity and negatively impact local micro-entrepreneurs and the broader digital economy. This follows a nationwide survey conducted by MAMBA involving 720 online consumers, which revealed that an overwhelming 89.3% of respondents do not support the introduction of a higher standard minimum delivery fee, with the majority preferring the lowest possible shipping cost regardless of courier brand. The survey also found that 93.5% of respondents would likely reduce or stop online shopping if shipping prices were increased. Additionally, 59% said they would buy less if a minimum delivery price were set. 'These findings confirm what our small sellers have been saying for months that any increase in delivery charges risks pulling the brakes on Malaysia's vibrant e-commerce sector,' said MAMBA secretary-general Alvin Low Wei Yan. 'We must avoid a situation where a well-meaning policy inadvertently sidelines the very micro-entrepreneurs the government is trying to uplift through the 13th Malaysia Plan.' Launched recently, the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026–2030) outlines a renewed national focus on boosting digital inclusivity, enhancing MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) competitiveness, and creating more resilient supply chains. MAMBA emphasised that maintaining affordable and flexible delivery options is central to achieving these outcomes. 'When shipping costs go up, the first to be affected are price-sensitive consumers and the small online sellers who rely on them,' Low stressed. 'This directly undermines digital participation and income growth among micro and boutique sellers; the very groups the 13th Malaysia Plan aims to support.' The nationwide survey also found that: 6% of consumers prefer the lowest possible shipping cost; 9% do not have a preferred courier and are only concerned about shipping prices; 3% find current shipping prices reasonable; and 8% would not pay extra for better and faster courier service. Low went on to call for engagement with industry stakeholders to ensure any delivery pricing reforms are equitable, data-driven, and do not create unnecessary barriers for small sellers or their customers. 'As we push forward with digital and SME development goals, the conversation around delivery fees must not lose sight of consumer realities and seller sustainability' he added. 'Affordable logistics are the backbone of online commerce, especially for micro businesses.' ‒ Aug 14, 2025
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Minimum delivery fee could weaken micro businesses, Mamba cautions
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Micro Businesses Association (Mamba) has raised concern over growing discussions about the introduction of a standard minimum delivery fee. The association said such a move could significantly reduce online shopping activity and negatively affect local micro-entrepreneurs and the broader digital economy. This follows a nationwide survey conducted by Mamba involving 720 online consumers, which revealed that an overwhelming 89.3 per cent of respondents do not support a higher standard minimum delivery fee. The majority of respondents prefer the lowest possible shipping cost regardless of the courier brand. The survey also found that 93.5 per cent of respondents would likely reduce or stop online shopping if shipping prices were increased. Additionally, 59 per cent said they would buy less if a minimum delivery price was set. Mamba secretary-general Alvin Low Wei Yan said these findings confirm what small sellers have been saying for months: that any increase in delivery charges risks pulling the brakes on Malaysia's vibrant e-commerce sector. "We must avoid a situation where a well-meaning policy inadvertently sidelines the very micro-entrepreneurs the government is trying to uplift through the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP)," he said in a statement. "When shipping costs go up, the first to be affected are price-sensitive consumers and the small online sellers who rely on them. This directly undermines digital participation and income growth among micro and boutique sellers—the very groups the 13MP aims to support." The survey also found that about 80.6 per cent of consumers prefer the lowest possible shipping cost, and 82.9 per cent do not have a preferred courier and are only concerned about shipping prices. About 55.3 per cent of respondents find current shipping prices reasonable, while 92.8 per cent said they would not pay extra for better and faster courier service. Mamba is calling for engagement with industry stakeholders to ensure any delivery pricing reforms are equitable, data-driven, and do not create unnecessary barriers for small sellers or their customers. Low said that the conversation around delivery fees must not lose sight of consumer realities and seller sustainability, in line with the nation's push for digital growth and small and medium enterprise development.
BusinessToday
4 days ago
- Business
- BusinessToday
MAMBA Warns Imposing Standard Minimum Delivery Fee Could Hurt MSMEs
The Malaysian Micro Businesses Association (MAMBA) has voiced strong opposition to proposals for a standard minimum delivery fee, warning that such a move could stifle online shopping and hurt local micro-entrepreneurs, ultimately slowing the growth of Malaysia's digital economy. The warning follows a nationwide survey is conducted involving 720 online consumers, which found that 89.3% of respondents oppose higher standard minimum delivery fees, preferring the lowest possible shipping cost regardless of courier brand. The survey also revealed that 93.5% of respondents would reduce or stop online shopping if shipping prices increased, while 59% said they would buy less if a minimum delivery price was enforced. 'These findings confirm what our small sellers have been saying for months — that any increase in delivery charges risks pulling the brakes on Malaysia's vibrant e-commerce sector,' said Alvin Low Wei Yan, MAMBA's Secretary-General. 'We must avoid a situation where a well-meaning policy inadvertently sidelines the very micro-entrepreneurs the government is trying to uplift through the 13th Malaysia Plan.' The recently launched 13th Malaysia Plan (2026–2030) outlines strategies to boost digital inclusivity, enhance MSME competitiveness, and strengthen supply chains. MAMBA stressed that affordable and flexible delivery options are essential to meeting these targets, particularly for small online sellers and price-sensitive consumers. 'When shipping costs go up, the first to be affected are price-sensitive consumers and the small online sellers who rely on them. This directly undermines digital participation and income growth among micro and boutique sellers,' Alvin added. Other survey findings include: 80.6% prefer the lowest possible shipping cost. 82.9% have no preferred courier and care only about shipping prices. 55.3% find current shipping prices reasonable. 92.8% would not pay extra for better or faster courier services. MAMBA urged policymakers to consult with industry players to ensure that any changes to delivery fee structures are equitable, data-driven, and do not create unnecessary barriers for micro businesses and their customers. 'As we push forward with digital and SME development goals, the conversation around delivery fees must not lose sight of consumer realities and seller sustainability. Affordable logistics are the backbone of online commerce, especially for micro businesses,' Alvin concluded
Focus Malaysia
07-06-2025
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
MAMBA: Mandatory e-invoicing for online sellers may alienate micro businesses
THE Malaysian Micro Businesses Association (MAMBA) has warned that the current e-invoicing framework imposed on micro business owners selling via e-commerce platforms may trigger discontent among small entrepreneurs while stifle digital growth. Under current regulations, e-invoicing is only required for physical businesses with an annual revenue of RM150,000 and above. However, for businesses that move online via e-commerce platforms, e-invoicing is mandatory regardless of revenue level. By contrast, micro businesses that set up their own websites and remain under the RM150,000 threshold are exempted from the same obligation. MAMBA cautions that such inconsistent standards could lead to dissatisfaction among micro business owners who are already struggling with rising operational costs, weak consumer sentiment and uncertainty surrounding new tariff adjustments. For many, the additional administrative burden of mandatory e-invoicing – especially when it is not uniformly applied – may be viewed as unnecessarily punitive. 'The government must avoid policies that burden the smallest players in our economy. Many of our members are one-person operations or family-run stalls just beginning to explore digital sales,' commented MAMBA chairman Tan Peng Beng. 'Imposing e-invoicing on them just because they choose to list on popular platforms is unfair and creates unnecessary complexity. 'A recent poll by DARE found that 94.7% of online business owners who are aware of the e-invoicing requirement are calling for an exemption, claiming that the system is too tedious and unfit for small-scale operations. 'This is clear proof that micro entrepreneurs are not just overwhelmed, they're actively pushing back.' MAMBA also highlighted the confusion this policy creates for micro business owners, many of whom are unfamiliar with e-commerce and digital tools. As requirements differ between selling on an e-commerce marketplace and operating a stand-alone website, the lack of clarity risks further discouraging traditional sellers from embracing online platforms. As it is, micro businesses are a crucial part of Malaysia's economy. According to the Department of Statistics out of 1,173,601 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) registered in 2022, of which a staggering 78.7% or 923,667 were micro businesses. – May 13, 2025
BusinessToday
08-05-2025
- Business
- BusinessToday
Micro Business Association Call Out Inconsistency In e-Invoicing Framework
The Malaysian Micro Businesses Association (MAMBA) has raised concerns over the current e-invoicing framework imposed on micro business owners selling via e-commerce platforms, warning that the policy may trigger discontent among its members and small entrepreneurs. Soon to be mandatory, e-invoicing is currently only required for physical businesses with an annual revenue of RM150,000 and above. However, for businesses that move online via e-commerce platforms, e-invoicing is a MUST regardless of revenue level. By contrast, MAMBA said micro businesses that set up their own websites and remain under the RM150,000 threshold are exempted from the same obligation. The association cautions that such inconsistent standards could lead to dissatisfaction among micro business owners who are already struggling with rising operational costs, weak consumer sentiment, and uncertainty surrounding new tariff adjustments. For many, the additional administrative burden of mandatory e-invoicing, especially when it is not uniformly applied, may be viewed as unnecessarily punitive. According to Tan Peng Beng, Chairman of the Malaysian Micro Businesses Association, who is also the Head of the People's Progressive Party Tiong Nam branch, 'The government must avoid policies that burden the smallest players in our economy. Many of our members are one-person operations or family-run stalls just beginning to explore digital sales. Imposing e-invoicing on them just because they choose to list on popular platforms is unfair and creates unnecessary complexity.' A recent poll by DARE found that 94.7% of online business owners who are aware of the e- invoicing requirement are calling for an exemption, saying the system is too tedious and unfit for small-scale operations. This is clear proof that micro entrepreneurs are not just overwhelmed, they're actively pushing back.' MAMBA also highlighted the confusion this policy creates for micro business owners, many of whom are unfamiliar with e-commerce and digital tools. As requirements differ between selling on an e-commerce marketplace and operating a standalone website, the lack of clarity risks further discouraging traditional sellers from embracing online platforms. The association warned that this regulatory gap may undermine the government's own digitalisation agenda by deterring micro enterprises from making the leap into online commerce. The disparity between how digital platforms are treated only adds to the fear and hesitation many sellers already feel when navigating unfamiliar digital territory. According to the Department of Statistics out of 1,173,601 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) registered in 2022, 78.7% or 923,667 were micro businesses. Related
