Coding our own set of rules and regulations
WONG guided that one of the first steps his new Ministry – MITeC – will be doing is to actively consult and collaborate with industry and government entities to help gather enough information to develop a strategy and rules and regulations that will fit our state’s unique business landscape.
“We have to first work closely with SME Corporation Malaysia (SME Corp Malaysia) because they have been on the scene for a much longer time than we have – particularly in e-commerce training and talent training – so they will likely be able to shed some insight to us on some of the pit falls that an e-commerce merchant might encounter.
“Next, we need to consult with Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism (KPDNKK) to find out how to protect our consumer rights and what more needs to be done on this facet of the situation.
“The MCMC as well would be an invaluable collaborator, as their last mile delivery network (developed in conjunction with the Association of Malaysian Express Carriers) has the best capabilities and we will work with them to come up with some solutions on how we can combat some of the common issues ecommerce platforms face.
“Then there is the Malaysian investment development authority, again we have to work closely with this agency if we want to transform Sarawak into a regional hub.
“Finally, we will need to work with Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) as this will have to do with e-payment innovations and security and we would need to see what can be done to protect our e-payment system and also the benefits of the people involved while ensuring that there is complete security in the system.”
In addition, it was also highlighted in order to enhance efficiency and speed of ecommerce activities taken place within the state, collaboration and consultation with the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and the Ministry of International trade and Industry (MITI) would also be required.
In particular, working with MITI can help our Ministry to better understand the limitations and requirements of border clearance of inbound and outbound parcels in order for them to develop guidelines and procedures that will help bring about a faster and more efficient customs system.