Anwar: Malaysia finalising measures to protect MSMEs from foreign e-commerce

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim speaks during a press conference after officiating the Malaysia Pavilion ceremony at the 5th Global Digital Trade Expo at the Hangzhou Grand Convention and Exhibition Center in Hangzhou on September 24, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Friday, 25 Sep 2026 9:15 AM MYT

HANGZHOU, Sept 25 — The MADANI government is finalising follow-up measures to address the concerns of local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) affected by competition from foreign e-commerce platforms, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He said the issue was raised directly in bilateral discussions with China’s top leadership, as well as in business meetings during his working visit to the country.

“The MADANI government is finalising follow-up measures to deal with this issue comprehensively, and this matter will be one of the priorities in the upcoming Cabinet Meeting,” he said in a social media post after concluding his working visit to China.

Anwar said he welcomed Premier Li Qiang’s commitment to identify the best way to protect local MSMEs and prevent further impact.

He said the position was also reinforced by assurances from relevant giant companies, including Alibaba.

In another development, he said the MADANI Diplomacy Mission in Shanghai and Hangzhou recorded potential investments worth RM28.6 billion, particularly in high-impact sectors such as semiconductors, mainstreaming of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, electric vehicles, battery materials, advanced optics, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing.

In addition, the country recorded potential exports to China of RM8.2 billion over one to three years.

Anwar said the visit also provided exposure to new technology and AI applications that should be studied, and from which Malaysia can gain strength from China’s rapid progress.

“The success of this visit has further strengthened Malaysia-China friendship and diversified cooperation that will bring more benefits and prosperity to the people of both countries,” he said.

The prime minister departed for Kuala Lumpur yesterday after completing a three-day working visit to Shanghai and Hangzhou. — Bernama