A new bill to regulate e-commerce will include clearer definitions of all parties involved, including online marketing affiliates, to ensure fairer and more comprehensive rules, deputy minister Fuziah Salleh said.
She said discussions with industry leaders had shown the need to separate affiliates from sellers, as defined under existing laws.
“Previously, affiliates were categorised as sellers, but discussions showed they are different because they don’t own the products. Consumers shouldn’t blame affiliates, as they only market on behalf of sellers,” said Fuziah, who is deputy minister of domestic trade and cost of living.
“This is what we mean by fairness for all, and it will be included in the legal framework. It will be broad but will address the needs and rights of all involved,” she said after a legal review session on e-commerce.
The e-commerce bill is expected to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat in March.
She said separating affiliates as a distinct category will close gaps in existing laws and better protect the rights of all involved in e-commerce.
Clear definitions of each party’s role is crucial to protect consumers, improve transparency among service providers, and promote accountability and a fairer marketplace, she said.
Fuziah said complaints about online transactions were among the top complaints since 2023, with 4,809 complaints recorded up to July 31, 14,211 cases in 2023 and 10,486 cases in 2024.
Most complaints involved undelivered goods, items not matching descriptions, misleading advertisements, counterfeit products and sellers using fake identities.
Fuziah said the figures showed an urgent need for stronger, more effective and up-to-date e-commerce legislation.
