E-commerce has become an important part of Malaysia’s economy, helping businesses reach more customers and giving consumers greater choice. But as the sector grows, so do concerns about unfair competition, rising platform fees, consumer protection, and accountability. The government plans to table an E-Commerce Bill to replace the Electronic Commerce Act 2006. How can this bill level the playing field? 

We discuss:

• Why a new law: What the Bill is meant to fix, from predatory practices against SMEs to platform accountability, and whether licensing platforms, including foreign operators, would achieve it.

• The cost of selling online: How rising commissions and advertising costs are squeezing sellers, whether the government should step in on fees, and whether merchants are at the mercy of platforms.

• What it takes to give the law teeth