The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) has backed the Government’s decision to strengthen regulations governing e-commerce platforms, including the proposed study and implementation of a registration mechanism for online marketplaces.
The chamber said tighter regulation is necessary to protect consumers, ensure products sold online meet national safety standards and create greater accountability among digital platforms.
ACCCIM President Datuk Ng Yih Pyng said stronger enforcement against unregulated e-commerce platforms was vital to maintaining a safe digital marketplace for Malaysian consumers.
Stronger E-Commerce Regulation Needed
According to Datuk Ng, the rapid growth of digital e-commerce has also raised concerns about the impact of cross-border e-commerce platforms on domestic small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Among the issues raised by ACCCIM are product safety standards and halal compliance for goods sold through online platforms.
The chamber has subsequently submitted several proposals to the Ministry of Finance for consideration under the 2027 National Budget, aimed at strengthening consumer protection and platform accountability.
Online Marketplaces Should Verify Safety Standards
One of ACCCIM’s key proposals is for online marketplaces to ensure that safety-related products comply with the necessary certification requirements before they are listed for sale.
This would cover safety-critical products such as tyres, brake pads and helmets, with the chamber proposing that platforms require relevant certifications, including SIRIM certification, where applicable.
Non-compliant products should be removed or delisted to protect consumers and ensure that e-commerce platforms take greater responsibility for the products made available through their marketplaces.
The proposal is intended to strengthen accountability across the digital retail ecosystem while ensuring that consumers are not exposed to products that fail to meet Malaysia’s safety requirements.
Greater Transparency for Consumers
ACCCIM also proposed that online platforms prominently display relevant safety and health certifications for safety-critical products.
The chamber believes consumers should be able to easily identify whether products meet the required standards before making a purchase.
At the same time, ACCCIM called for sales practices that place undue pressure on consumers to make immediate purchases to be prohibited.
Such measures would give consumers greater access to information and more confidence when purchasing regulated products online.
Proposed Malaysian Authenticity Portal
Another proposal put forward by ACCCIM is the establishment of a Malaysian Authenticity Portal, which would allow consumers and mechanics to verify product certification by scanning a QR code.
The proposed system could provide a more accessible way for buyers and industry professionals to check whether products have the necessary certification, particularly for safety-critical goods.
For ACCCIM, strengthening product verification alongside tighter platform regulation would help create a safer and more accountable e-commerce environment.
Protecting Consumers and Domestic SMEs
ACCCIM’s support for stronger e-commerce regulation comes amid growing concerns surrounding cross-border online platforms and their impact on Malaysia’s domestic business community.
The chamber said regulation should ensure that products sold through digital marketplaces meet national safety requirements while creating a fairer environment for local SMEs.
With e-commerce continuing to play an increasingly important role in Malaysia’s retail and business landscape, ACCCIM’s proposals seek to balance the growth of digital commerce with stronger consumer protection, product safety and platform accountability.
