A NEW Cabinet committee is to examine regulatory gaps, enforcement coordination and a proposed e-commerce bill amid concerns over competition from foreign businesses
THE Government is reviewing regulations and enforcement mechanisms governing foreign businesses and products in the local market, including digital commerce, as the government seeks to ensure small businesses and local traders can compete on fairer terms.
Deputy Prime Minister II Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the Cabinet Committee on Strengthening the Purchase and Use of Local Products had discussed closer coordination among ministries, tighter monitoring and the development of new e-commerce legislation to address challenges facing local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The meeting, held today, focused on strengthening governance of the local-products agenda, standardising the Jom Beli Produk Malaysia (JOM MALAYSIA) logo, reviewing the presence and proliferation of foreign businesses and products in the domestic market, and progress on the proposed e-commerce Bill.
The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) serves as the committee’s secretariat.
Fadillah said the government took seriously concerns from local traders, particularly MSMEs, over intensifying competition amid the rapid growth of digital commerce and the presence of foreign e-commerce operators.
The committee had therefore emphasised the need to review existing regulations, improve monitoring and strengthen enforcement to ensure fair competition and protect local businesses.
“The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) and Finance Ministry (MOF) will examine coordination of enforcement relating to the entry of foreign businesses and products through a working committee to be established,” he said.
The proposed e-commerce Bill was also under consideration to support a more effective digital trading ecosystem while taking into account the interests of businesses, MSMEs and consumers.
Fadillah said the committee had reviewed its terms of reference and membership to improve coordination among ministries and agencies, avoid duplication and ensure more effective follow-up action.
On promoting Malaysian products, the meeting discussed standardising the use of the JOM MALAYSIA logo across campaigns while allowing ministries to retain their own designated logos.
KPDN was proposed as the coordinator for guidelines on logo usage, monitoring and reporting to strengthen implementation and raise public awareness of the importance of buying local products.
The initiative complements the RM10 million allocation for JOM MALAYSIA announced in Budget 2027 to help bring rural products and high-value services onto digital platforms and into overseas markets.
Fadillah said a whole-of-nation approach involving ministries, agencies, industry players, MSMEs, retailers, wholesalers, digital platforms and consumers was needed to expand market access and help local businesses improve productivity and growth. - October 15, 2026