New e-commerce Bill expected to be finalised this year

 

The government aims to finalise the drafting of a new e-commerce Bill this year, said Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.- NSTP/ Nur Izzati Mohamad

BATU KAWAN: The government aims to finalise the drafting of a new e-commerce Bill this year, said Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.

He said the ministry had approved a policy decision to repeal the Electronic Commerce Act 2006 and replace it with a new, more comprehensive law.

However, he said the process would require coordination between ministries and extensive engagement with stakeholders, including e-commerce platforms, service providers and industry players.

"We know that e-commerce is a broad and comprehensive area, so it requires extensive engagement with stakeholders. We need to examine the matter thoroughly, and I hope it can be finalised," he told reporters after launching the 2026 Consumer Festival (CONFEST 2026) at Batu Kawan Stadium here today.

Armizan said two committees had also been established to expedite the drafting of the Bill, including to facilitate coordination between the ministry, the Communications Ministry and the Digital Ministry.

He said matters currently being fine-tuned included the division of responsibilities among the ministries and relevant agencies, as well as regulatory mechanisms for e-commerce platforms.

The next stage would require a regulatory impact assessment (RIA) in collaboration with the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) before the Bill is submitted for further consideration.

Among the proposals being studied is the introduction of a licensing regime for e-commerce platforms, particularly in view of the influx of goods from overseas, consumer safety and the sustainability of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

However, Armizan said regulation must be balanced to avoid hampering the growth of the e-commerce sector, which provides convenience to consumers and serves as a source of income for traders.

"We want more comprehensive and conducive regulation, but at the same time, we do not want to hamper the growth of e-commerce," he said.

The government had previously expressed its intention to expedite the drafting of the e-commerce Bill to strengthen the regulation and accountability of platforms, sellers and consumers, given that the Electronic Commerce Act 2006 does not provide a comprehensive legal framework to regulate various aspects of e-commerce. - NST