The Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) began offering free mediation services for commercial disputes valued at RM250,000 and below on May 18, 2026. The service covers 26 types of disputes and aims to provide a faster, affordable option for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and small businesses in Malaysia [1, 2].
Eligible parties can apply for mediation either by visiting the AIAC in person or submitting an application online. The mediation sessions themselves can be held physically at AIAC premises or conducted online to accommodate parties’ preferences [1, 2].
To support the initiative, 173 volunteer mediators have signed up to provide pro bono dispute resolution assistance. AIAC has also established a dedicated helpdesk to assist applicants throughout the mediation process [2].
Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said officiated the launch of the program on May 18. She stressed that "access to justice can no longer be viewed narrowly through the lens of courtroom litigation alone" and urged those involved in commercial disputes to seek resolution through dialogue rather than litigation when possible [1, 2]. The Minister highlighted the economic challenges facing many small businesses, saying, "Many small businesses simply cannot afford prolonged court battles or costly legal proceedings" [2].
The new mediation service responds directly to these pressures on SMEs, offering an alternative that is less time-consuming and costly than traditional legal channels [1, 2]. It is expected to reduce backlog in courts and ease dispute settlement for smaller commercial matters.
The AIAC’s free commercial mediation initiative marks a significant effort to broaden access to dispute resolution. Applications can be submitted immediately through AIAC’s official channels, making the service available to affected businesses right away [1, 2].
