MCMC ready to license e-commerce platforms once ministries set conditions, says deputy minister

Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the proposed licensing framework would apply across the e-commerce sector rather than target any single platform. — Bernama pic

First Published: Tuesday, 22 Sep 2026 5:50 PM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 — The Communications Ministry is waiting for the terms and conditions from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) and the Finance Ministry (MoF) before licensing e-commerce platforms.

Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has the power under the existing legal framework to license the platforms, but the specific conditions must be decided by the relevant ministries.

“Yes, we actually had a discussion with the MOF together with KPDN. I think KPDN’s decision is to study how to regulate these e-commerce platforms. MCMC, or the Ministry of Communications, is involved because under the Malaysian legal framework, we have the power to actually license e-commerce platforms.

“However, we are waiting for instructions or feedback from MoF, (and) especially from KPDN, on the terms and conditions to be imposed,” she told reporters after attending the media launch of the Asean-China Cross Border E-Commerce Expo 2026 (CBE2026) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) here today.

Teo said MCMC was ready to implement the licensing once the framework was in place to ensure a fair business environment.

She was responding to growing concerns among local retailers over the presence of a major China-based e-commerce platform known for its ultra-low-cost products.

“MCMC is ready anytime. We have engaged with the platform as well, but again, this is not just targeting it, but all e-commerce platforms. We want to level the playing field and make sure that Malaysian consumers are protected,” she said.

Meanwhile, when asked about DAP secretary-general and Transport Minister Anthony Loke’s offer to resign, Teo said the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) had decided that all its ministers and deputy ministers would remain in their respective positions.

She said their continued presence in the Cabinet was a strong testament to their unwavering support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership. — Bernama