Bought one thing, got another? Anwar orders crackdown on online shopping scams, says Fahmi

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 30 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) and the Communications Ministry, through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), to take immediate action against fraud and scams on e-commerce platforms.

Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the directive followed Anwar’s concerns over problems faced by online shoppers and sellers, including high commission fees imposed on merchants and customers receiving products that did not match their orders.

“The prime minister raised concerns about the problems faced by e-commerce users, particularly high fees and commissions charged to sellers, as well as customers receiving products that differ from what they ordered.

“He has therefore instructed KPDN and the Communications Ministry, particularly through MCMC, to take action on several issues, especially fraud and scams on e-commerce platforms,” he told a press conference after the Cabinet meeting here today.

He said MCMC had met representatives of all major e-commerce platforms several weeks ago to discuss the issues.

Fahmi said that a retreat involving enforcement agencies would be held in the coming weeks to coordinate an integrated response to problems affecting e-commerce users.

“The prime minister has directed that this matter be prioritised and addressed urgently.

“Insya-Allah, I will make several additional announcements on the issue tomorrow during the National Courier Day celebration,” he said. — Bernama