Ministry to look into reports of online refunds, returns being manipulated

 Officials will meet operators of e-commerce platforms on this issue and 'many others as well', says minister Steven Sim.

Recent media reports have alleged that customers of online markets have taken advantage of return and refund terms to obtain products without payment. (Envato Elements pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 Problems over returns and refunds concerning products bought through online markets are among the topics to be discussed between government officials and operators of e-commerce platforms.

The minister of entrepreneur and cooperatives development, Steven Sim, said the meetings would discuss “not only this issue, but certainly many others as well, including how we (the ministry) can collaborate with these portal operators in strengthening the system”.

“We see strong potential and advantages for e-commerce,” Bernama quoted him as saying in Kepala Batas after opening a cooperative and entrepreneur sales programme (JMKU) in Permatang Sintok.

Recent media reports have highlighted how loopholes in return and refund terms have allegedly been manipulated by customers to obtain products without making any payment.

As a result, terms that were originally intended to protect consumer rights against issues such as fraudulent listings or goods not matching descriptions have instead become a burden on sellers, particularly small traders.

Sim said the sales event in Bertam was the first in a new series of the programme, which will be expanded to several other locations across Penang to ensure that the benefits of essential goods being offered at prices lower than the market rate can be enjoyed inclusively by the public.

In addition to benefitting consumers, he said JMKU also serves as a support platform for small traders and cooperatives to stimulate the domestic economy, with 10 small entrepreneurs and cooperatives participating in today’s sales to ensure the community has access to quality, fresh products at competitive prices. - FMT