KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 10): The government has agreed to establish a Postal Fund with an initial allocation of RM150 million, expected to commence operations in the first quarter of 2027, to ensure the continuity of postal services particularly in rural, remote, and island areas.

Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the fund would be administered by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to ensure the smooth implementation of services under the Universal Service Obligation (USO), especially letter delivery to areas with low connectivity.

“The establishment of the Postal Fund utilises the same principle as the Universal Service Provision (USP) fund for the telecommunications sector, with relevant provisions already enshrined in the Postal Services Act since 2012.

“Although this fund has long existed within the Act, no previous government had made the effort to establish it until the Madani government,” he said at a press conference after officiating the World Post Day celebration here on Saturday.

Fahmi said the scope of the fund’s utilisation would also be examined to ensure it is not limited solely to postal services but extends to covering the costs of delivering goods to remote areas far from urban centres.

He added that the Ministry of Communications and the MCMC would also examine measures to ensure the continuity and sustainability of the postal and courier ecosystem which has operated in Malaysia for over 200 years in line with advancements in technology, the digital economy, and e-commerce.

He noted that adjustments to policies, laws, and operations are necessary to ensure the industry remains competitive, while also safeguarding workers' welfare through appropriate wages and compensation.

Fahmi said the MCMC has initiated engagement processes with e-commerce service providers, to be followed by major courier companies and regulatory and enforcement bodies, including the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).

He said such coordination is crucial for more effectively addressing complaints related to e-commerce services and goods delivery.

On Friday (Oct 9), Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, while tabling Budget 2027, said the bill... an E-Commerce Bill, will be tabled at the upcoming Parliament session to strengthen the accountability of online platforms and sellers, as well as to protect local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from unfair competition.

In a separate development, Fahmi said Pos Malaysia, the MCMC, and the Ministry of Communications would collaborate to produce a special stamp in conjunction with the country's 70th independence anniversary celebrations next year.

Earlier, Pos Malaysia marked World Post Day by launching a special stamp and introducing Malaysia's first electric three-wheeled vehicle for last-mile delivery, designed to enhance cargo capacity and safety.

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