Government Aims to Finalise New E-Commerce Bill This Year, Says Armizan

BATU KAWAN, Sept 19 — The government aims to finalise the drafting of a new e-commerce Bill this year to replace the Electronic Commerce Act 2006 with a more comprehensive legislative framework, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali announced today.

Armizan confirmed that his ministry has approved the policy decision to repeal the 2006 legislation. However, he emphasized that the drafting process requires extensive cross-ministerial coordination and engagement with key stakeholders, including e-commerce platforms, service providers, and industry leaders.

“We know that e-commerce is a broad and comprehensive area, so it requires extensive engagement with stakeholders,” Armizan said after launching the 2026 Consumer Festival (Confest 2026) at Batu Kawan Stadium today. “We need to examine the matter thoroughly, and I hope it can be finalised.”

To expedite the bill’s development, two dedicated committees have been established to streamline coordination between the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, the Ministry of Communications, and the Ministry of Digital. Current efforts are focused on delineating jurisdictional responsibilities among relevant agencies and refining regulatory mechanisms for digital platforms.

Before the bill is submitted for further consideration, the ministry will undertake a Regulatory Impact Assessment in collaboration with the Malaysia Productivity Corporation. Among the key proposals under review is the potential implementation of a licensing regime for e-commerce platforms to address consumer safety concerns, manage the influx of foreign goods, and safeguard the sustainability of micro, small, and medium enterprises.

Armizan stressed that any upcoming regulatory measures must maintain a delicate balance so as not to stunt the growth of the digital economy, which serves as a vital income stream for businesses and a key convenience for consumers.

“We want more comprehensive and conducive regulation, but at the same time, we do not want to hamper the growth of e-commerce,” he added.

The push to replace the Electronic Commerce Act 2006 comes as the government seeks to strengthen platform and vendor accountability, addressing gaps in the existing legal framework to better regulate modern commercial practices.