KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 22): The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is still in discussions with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, the Finance Ministry and the Customs Department on the regulatory framework for cross-border e-commerce platforms.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the rules governing e-commerce platforms were being finalised, and MCMC, which is under her ministry, is the body that licensed such platforms.
Speaking to reporters at the launch of the Asean-China Cross Border E-Commerce Expo 2026 (CBE 2026), she said MCMC was ready to proceed once it received directions from the two ministries.
The push to regulate cross-border e-commerce platforms, such as China's Pinduoduo, come as Malaysian retailers raise concerns that these platforms are disrupting the local industry due to ultra-low prices.
In an article published in The Edge Malaysia Weekly's Sept 14 to Sept 20 issue, analysts found that price-conscious shoppers are flocking to these platforms amid slowing growth in the retail sector.
Teo said MCMC had also engaged with Pinduoduo, but stressed that the regulatory exercise was not aimed at a single platform.
"We actually have engaged with Pinduoduo as well. But again, this is not just targeting Pinduoduo, it's all the e-commerce platforms. We want to level the playing field and make sure that Malaysian consumers are protected,” said Teo.
On product safety, Teo said MCMC would work with the relevant authorities as it does not determine whether individual products comply with safety or product standards.
She cited medicines as an example, saying products requiring approval from the Health Ministry should not be sold on an unauthorised platform.
For other products, including tyres, she said enforcement would fall under the relevant authority.
“Our stance is if the product is not safe and it doesn't comply with Malaysia standards, then it should not be sold,” she said.
CBE 2026 is organised by the Malaysia Cross Border E-Commerce Association to strengthen cross-border ties between Malaysia and China, as well as to bridge relations between local and international vendors.