Latest news with #ElectronicCommerceAct2006


The Star
18-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
New e-commerce laws in the works
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali speaks during a press conference in conjunction with the engagement session on the review of e-commerce legislation, held in Putrajaya. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star PUTRAJAYA: Updated legislations aimed at better protecting consumers and strengthening oversight of e-commerce platforms are expected to be brought to Parliament next year, says Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali (pic). The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister said a study into existing legislation is underway and should be completed by next month. Among the areas being assessed is the need to amend the Electronic Commerce Act 2006 (Act 658), he added. Explaining further, he said Act 658 was first introduced as an enabling law to recognise and facilitate e-commerce trade, and there have been several suggestions on whether to repeal the Act or introduce an improved version. 'These are among the issues that will be finalised once the study and engagement sessions are completed. 'The findings will then be presented to the Cabinet and the Attorney-General's Chambers,' he told a press conference ahead of a town hall session with e-commerce traders yesterday. 'I would prefer for it to be tabled by the end of this year, but due to factors beyond our control, it will be brought, at the latest, during Parliament's first sitting next year,' he added. Armizan said there is a need to revisit Act 658 to create consistent regulations that not only protect consumers but also support continued growth in the sector. 'There was a review conducted in 2012 on how complaints are channelled alongside consumer protection. 'However, the decision was made to retain it as consumer protection regulations would be covered under the Consumer Protection Act.' Armizan said the ministry is also studying mechanisms to regulate e-commerce platforms based abroad that have products entering the local market. Among the options being explored are establishing an act that provides extra-territorial jurisdiction and pursuing government-to-government (G2G) cooperation. On another matter, he said the ministry is exploring possible mechanisms to require e-commerce platforms to consult the authorities before introducing any additional charges on sellers. Armizan acknowledged that current regulations do not give his ministry any regulatory powers. 'To me, what the platform did is not timely, as there was a review last year and now there is another review. 'To halt this 100% is difficult but we are looking at how we can get platforms to have an engagement with the authorities before coming to any decision,' he said. This comes after an e-commerce platform introduced a revised fee for all completed orders. The fee is directly deducted from each order before the sales proceeds are transferred to the seller's account. On July 11, MCA's economic and SME affairs committee chairman Datuk Lawrence Low said the revised fee structure would affect nearly every stage of a seller's operations. While some of the charges may seem small individually, Low warned that this would cumulatively place a significant financial strain on sellers and ultimately lead to higher prices for consumers.


Malaysian Reserve
21-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
Review of e-commerce laws to be completed by August
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 (picture) 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. '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. — BERNAMA


Borneo Post
21-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
E-commerce law review to tackle online consumer complaints, strengthen regulation
Armizan (centre) speaking at the press conference. KOTA KINABALU (June 21): The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) is currently reviewing the Electronic Commerce Act 2006 to ensure it remains relevant and effective in addressing modern challenges in the digital marketplace. Its minister, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, said a study is underway and expected to conclude by August, after which the ministry will propose whether to introduce a new legal framework or amend the existing Act. He highlighted that the ministry received over 10,000 consumer complaints last year related to e-commerce transactions, particularly concerning fake or misleading products. 'At present, there are no direct regulations for e-commerce operators or sellers, especially those not registered or based in Malaysia,' he said. 'Among the suggestions received are to implement a licensing regime or set compliance standards for these platforms.' To gather further input, Armizan will host a Town Hall session on July 17 involving key stakeholders. Any proposed legislative changes will then be presented to the Cabinet, with a final decision expected by year-end. Speaking after officiating the Sabah-level 2025 Digital Business Programme at Universiti Malaysia Sabah on Saturday, Armizan clarified that the ministry's goal is to support — not burden — the industry. Citing data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), he said the e-commerce sector contributed RM248.4 billion or 13.6 percent to the national GDP. Earnings from the sector also rose by six percent, from RM1.07 trillion in 2021 to RM1.09 trillion. He emphasised the importance of a clear and comprehensive legal framework that benefits all parties — consumers, sellers, platform operators and enforcement agencies. 'Many local entrepreneurs depend on e-commerce platforms. A well-defined legal structure will help protect and empower them while allowing for effective enforcement,' he added.

Barnama
21-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Review Of e-Commerce Laws To Be Completed By August
KOTA KINABALU, June 21 (Bernama) -- 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. '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.


The Sun
21-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
E-commerce law review nears completion, final phase underway
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. '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.