Malaysia is an attractive market for eCommerce in Southeast Asia due to its dynamic economy and developed infrastructure for digital technologies. The Malaysian e-commerce market looked to grow by 20% in 2022 alone. This growth in ecommerce has been coupled with a growing consumer preference for online shopping, and availability of customized payment options in recent years. In 2022, 89.6% percent of Malaysia’s population were active internet users (29.55 million)), and mobile connections in Malaysia were equivalent to 127.7 percent of the total population in January 2022. As of January 2022, there were 30.25 million social media users and 42.11 million mobile connections in Malaysia.
Government Initiatives
The National eCommerce Council, comprised of various ministries and agencies, was established to drive the implementation of the National eCommerce Strategic Roadmap 2.0’s (NeSR2.0). Guided by three overarching objectives, the NESR 2.0 is focused on intensifying eCommerce adoption and growth, e-ecosystem development, and strengthening the policy and regulatory environment. The Malaysian government is also recognizing the rise in ecommerce as a tool of inclusiveness, and has announced support for empowering local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Further, Digital Free Trade Zones have been launched to facilitate cross-border eCommerce and widen the global market for MSMEs. This is predicted to further drive ecommerce in Malaysia.
Local eCommerce Sales Rules & Regulations
The relevant laws governing Malaysia’s eCommerce and online businesses are set out in several statutes and regulations. Those details of particular significance to eCommerce in Malaysia include:
Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (CMA)
Consumer Protection Act 1999 (CPA)
Electronic Commerce Act 2006 (ECA) (http://repo.uum.edu.my/11944/1/15.pdf)
Guidelines on Taxation of ECommerce
Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (PDPA)
Trade Descriptions Act 2011 (TDA)
Challenges
Although eCommerce in Malaysia is relatively strong, enforcing existing regulations needs improvement. Current challenges for the eCommerce industry include adopting new digital tools, cybersecurity threats, lack of digital marketing skills, limited production capacity, high logistics cost, and lack of knowledge regarding market access and regulations in cross-border eCommerce.
Services
Malaysian shoppers do most of their shopping through mobile phones and other digital devices. Besides marketplaces and eCommerce platforms, about a third of Malaysians still shop through social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Flights, hotels, food and beverages, music, and used items are some of Malaysians’ most popular online purchases. The two major Malaysian e-commerce platforms are Shopee and Lazada.
Intellectual Property Rights
eCommerce activities and the protection of intellectual property rights fall under the preview of the Malaysian Intellectual Property Corporation (MyIPO).
Cross-Border
Some key overseas markets attracting Malaysia’s online shoppers include China, Singapore, Japan, the United States, and South Korea. Credit cards are the preferred payment method for about 80 percent of cross-border transactions.
eCommerce - Online Payments
Online payments are increasing in popularity. Some of the leading online payment vendors include:
· eGHL
· iPay88
· Paypal
· Stripe Payments
· Worldpay