Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – In an effort to enhance the country’s digital economy, the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) has recently introduced its e-commerce chapter to foster collaboration among industry stakeholders.
For this initiative, Hafidzi Razali, e-commerce chapter spokesperson at MICCI, stated it is intended to encourage cooperation between e-commerce businesses to resolve common challenges and drive sustainable development of the country’s digital sector.
In a recent press conference, Razali further elaborated the intention of the program, stating, “Known as the E-Commerce Chapter, the platform brings together major industry players, including Shopee, Lazada, Carousell, and Mudah.my, as its founding members.”
“The chapter is open to all e-commerce companies operating in Malaysia, aiming to create a collaborative ecosystem that supports the industry’s development,” he added.
He also explained that said move is designed to provide a unified platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and advocacy on matters that affect the e-commerce sector.
Building this perspective, he shared that the chapter will support businesses in addressing industry challenges such as delivery inefficiencies and policy constraints, underscoring the importance of aligning industry growth with consumer interests.
“Companies will use the platform to discuss challenges such as delivery inefficiencies and policy constraints, with the aim of collectively addressing them alongside government stakeholders,” Razali said.
“By creating a space for dialogue between companies and policymakers, the chapter aims to avoid gaps that could hinder growth and to ensure that the industry evolves in tandem with global best practices,” he further highlighted.
Meanwhile, Muhamad Hanif Asa’ari, distributive trade and services industry director secretariat at the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, emphasised the necessity to update regulatory frameworks to support the country’s e-commerce landscape.
More specifically, he said,The domestic and global e-commerce landscapes have evolved significantly since these laws were introduced. For example, the Electronic Commerce Act, which was enacted in 2006, is nearly two decades old and needs to be revised to reflect today’s digital realities.”
“In the first quarter of 2024 alone, over 12,000 complaints were recorded, highlighting the urgent need for stronger consumer protection and improved dispute resolution mechanisms. The chapter will play a crucial role in shaping policies that address these issues.”
“Ultimately, this platform is about ensuring that Malaysia’s e-commerce sector grows sustainably, remains globally competitive, and delivers value to all stakeholders,” Hanif concluded.
According to Hanif, the new program aims to create a platform for effective collaboration, ensuring regulators and businesses align with evolving technologies and build consumer confidence.
