KUALA LUMPUR – The Communications and Digital Ministry will hold discussions with relevant ministries and agencies regarding regulatory aspects of TikTok Shop, said minister Fahmi Fadzil.
He said that after a meeting between his deputy minister Teo Nie Ching and TikTok representatives last Thursday, the ministry had received basic information about the platform’s demographics and the goods sold on it.
“I have asked for follow-up discussions because we need detailed information. After this, we will discuss with other ministries and agencies because (the communications ministry) and MCMC’s jurisdiction is mainly regulating network usage.
He added that there are other matters falling under the jurisdiction of the domestic trade and the entrepreneur development ministries, and discussions will be held to finalise the government’s plan on regulating the e-commerce platform.
Fahmi told reporters this after presenting Deepavali contributions today to the Indian community in Lembah Pantai, the constituency for which he is MP.
On October 7, Fahmi reportedly said that Putrajaya would look into the action taken by the Indonesian government to ban e-commerce transactions on TikTok before devising appropriate measures in Malaysia.
According to Fahmi, he had received complaints from members of the public who expressed concern about the action, and at the same time, several large stores also raised issues related to price competition for products sold through the platform.
At today’s ceremony, Fahmi said that MCMC also had discussions with TikTok operators after receiving complaints from certain parties who were restricted from going live on the platform to discuss the Palestinian issue.
“But, in my opinion, TikTok’s response to the matter was embarrassing (because) if that is the answer, it did not give a good sign. MCMC also expressed several regulatory concerns, so I have asked for one final meeting with TikTok before we make our decisions,” he said.
He also said that despite receiving cooperation from TikTok, the company has yet to appoint representatives in Malaysia.
“Now we have to wait for officials from Singapore, the Philippines and others, which is not conducive.
“This cannot go on because it is causing delay and as I have said earlier, the government, specifically (the communications ministry) and MCMC, are looking into ways to enhance regulations,” he said.
Meanwhile, Fahmi said that Deepavali contributions have been distributed to 1,000 families in Lembah Pantai, compared to the previous 700, due to the positive response from residents in the area. – November 4, 2023