The Malaysian government announced it will expedite the drafting of a new e-commerce bill to improve regulations, ease business operations, and ensure orderly growth of the digital commerce ecosystem. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealed the initiative at the TikTok Shop Summit Malaysia on August 20, 2026. He emphasized the importance of supporting young entrepreneurs and small businesses through government agencies and financing facilities [1, 2, 3].
The existing Electronic Commerce Act, passed in 2006, no longer matches the pace of rapid digital commerce expansion. The new bill aims to modernize the framework and strengthen regulation to encourage legitimate businesses while preventing abuse of online platforms. Anwar Ibrahim said, "There must be rules to ensure that anyone introducing any type of product, food or goods for sale upholds ethical values...profits are important, but moral and ethical values are equally important" [1]. He added that if the bill is "truly attractive, beneficial and provides opportunities," it could be approved as early as October 2026 [2].
Alongside the e-commerce bill, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil confirmed plans to amend the Postal Services Act of 2012. The amendments will regulate courier services more formally and help prevent misuse for illegal deliveries. The ministry and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission are working with police and courier companies on proposals expected to be tabled in parliament by 2027. Fahmi said, "We are seeking the cooperation of courier companies to help ensure that any products delivered do not pose security risks or violate the law" [4].
Separately, the Perak state and federal governments aim to upgrade enforcement laws addressing jurisdictional overlaps in Pulau Sembilan State Park. The park has been closed to public tourism since April 1, 2017, due to ecological damage caused by encroachment and illegal activities. Perak Tourism chairman Loh Sze Yee noted that different jurisdictions over sea and land have created enforcement gaps exploited by irresponsible parties. He said the two governments are close to finalizing legislative improvements to enhance enforcement as of August 22, 2026 [5, 6].
The government expects the new e-commerce bill to be ready by October 2026, pending stakeholder approval, while amendments to the Postal Services Act are slated for parliamentary discussion next year [2, 4].
