Kuala Lampur:Inanam Sentral: The government is currently evaluating the impact of e-commerce platforms on the local business ecosystem, focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the retail sector, and the postal and courier industry.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil has acknowledged the issue following concerns from traders about a potential market imbalance due to e-commerce platforms. The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has been tasked with inviting all e-commerce platforms for discussions to address these concerns.

Minister Fahmi stated that this initiative is just the beginning, with plans for further meetings involving himself, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, e-commerce platforms, shop owners, and SME operators affected by the issue. He emphasized the need for discussions on the sale of products at excessively low prices, which could harm local businesses.

The government aims to ensure that the growth of the e-commerce sector does not adversely affect the local economic ecosystem. Fahmi clarified that while they are not discouraging traders from using e-commerce platforms, they are attentive to any negative impacts on sectors such as sales, retail, and postal and courier services.

The approach to this issue will involve a comprehensive strategy, as its effects reach beyond the e-commerce industry to include broader trade, retail, courier services, and SME sectors. Coordination will occur through collaboration among the MCMC, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, MITI, the Ministry of Finance, the Inland Revenue Board, and other relevant agencies.