KUCHING – The Sarawak Consumers’ Association (PPS) has taken firm action against a live-stream seller who repeatedly insulted East Malaysians, using offensive language, and engaging in suspected fraudulent practices.
The case has drawn widespread attention as concerns grow over the rise of cyberbullying and unethical online sales tactics.
On 20 November, PPS President Dr Wynson Ong Teck Ping issued a public appeal urging citizens to lodge police reports against the seller, whose behaviour has been described as provocative and damaging.
The seller allegedly mocked families, flaunted a false image of wealth, and refused to refund payments, leaving many consumers distressed.
The following morning, representatives from several organisations joined PPS at the Central Police Station in Kuching to file a collective report.
Among those present were the International Education Legacy Foundation (IELF), Kuching Unity Charity Association, DAPSY, the Tabuan Jaya Chamber of Commerce, community leaders Penghulu Datuk Alex Pui and Penghulu Giam Annkee, along with members of the public. The report was formally completed at 11am, marking a significant show of solidarity.
Dr Ong stressed that the initiative was not intended to incite conflict, but to safeguard consumer rights and preserve social harmony.
He warned that the growing trend of online personalities using extreme behaviour to gain popularity sets a troubling precedent for younger audiences.
The issue has also attracted national attention. Deputy Minister of Communications YB Teo Nie Ching has previously highlighted the government’s commitment to tackling cyberbullying, noting that a dedicated taskforce is reviewing laws to strengthen enforcement.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has already introduced stricter licensing requirements for social media platforms, alongside amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which impose heavier penalties for offensive content.
On 21 November, PPS submitted an official complaint to MCMC regarding the platforms involved and notified the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) to assist victims who were denied refunds.
PPS also acknowledged the support of YB See Chee How, Sarawak State Assemblyman and lawyer, for his legal insights on the matter.
Moving forward, PPS has pledged to:
- Monitor online sales platforms more closely.
- Push for stricter enforcement against sellers who deceive or insult consumers.
- Defend consumer rights until online culture reflects ethical and respectful standards.
The association has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any misconduct. Complaints can be directed to the PPS Complaint Line at 017-7109299.
FAQs
Why Monitoring Online Sales Platforms Matters?
- Consumer protection: Organisations like the Sarawak Consumers’ Association (PPS) and regulators such as the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) monitor platforms to safeguard buyers from scams, fake products, and abusive sellers.
- Cyberbullying prevention: Some live sellers use offensive behaviour to attract attention. Monitoring helps curb this trend and maintain ethical standards online.
- Market integrity: Oversight ensures sellers comply with advertising rules, refund policies, and fair trade practices, preventing exploitation of consumers.
Current Landscape in Malaysia?
- Rapid e-commerce growth: Malaysia is among the fastest-growing e-commerce markets, with gross merchandise value projected to reach USD 25 billion by 2030.
- Platform diversity: Categories such as apparel, home & garden, and food & drink dominate online sales, with thousands of sellers active across platforms.
- Regulatory framework: MCMC enforces stricter licensing requirements for platforms, while amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act impose heavier penalties for offensive or fraudulent content.
How Monitoring Works?
- Complaint channels: Consumers can lodge reports with PPS or MCMC when encountering misconduct.
- Platform accountability: Platforms are required to remove harmful content and cooperate with regulators.
- Data-driven oversight: Regulators analyse e-commerce statistics to identify high-risk categories and track suspicious seller behaviour.
Looking Ahead
Malaysia’s e-commerce boom makes monitoring more critical than ever. With millions of transactions occurring daily, regulators and consumer groups are expected to intensify surveillance, strengthen laws, and promote ethical digital culture.
Key Mechanisms to Defend Consumer Rights?
- Tribunal for Consumer Claims: Established under the Consumer Protection Act 1999, this tribunal provides a low-cost alternative to civil courts. It allows consumers to seek redress for goods or services worth up to RM50,000, with cases resolved more quickly than traditional litigation.
- MCMC consumer protection framework: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission enforces consumer codes and standards, resolves disputes, and regulates service rates. Its goal is to ensure industry responsiveness, service quality, and affordability.
- Consumer Protection Act 1999: This law underpins Malaysia’s consumer rights, covering unfair practices, misleading advertising, and contractual obligations. It empowers regulators to act against sellers who exploit consumers.
- FOMCA advocacy: The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (FOMCA) highlights gaps in enforcement, such as weak warranty protections and misleading “no return” policies, urging stronger safeguards for buyers.
Why Consumer Rights Matter
- Confidence in markets: Protecting consumers builds trust in e-commerce and retail, encouraging participation in Malaysia’s growing digital economy.
- Fair access: Rights ensure all Malaysians can access safe, affordable goods and services without discrimination.
- Deterrence of misconduct: Strong enforcement discourages sellers from engaging in fraud, abusive behaviour, or exploitative contracts.
Current Challenges
- Weak warranty enforcement: Many Malaysians struggle to claim warranty benefits due to vague or unfair seller policies.
- Digital marketplace risks: Online platforms have amplified issues such as cyberbullying, fake luxury lifestyles, and refusal to refund payments.
- Awareness gaps: Consumers often remain unaware of their rights or available complaint channels, limiting their ability to defend themselves.
Moving Forward
Malaysia is expected to strengthen consumer protection through:
- Stricter enforcement: Regulators pushing heavier penalties for fraud and offensive content.
- Public education: Campaigns to raise awareness of complaint procedures and legal rights.
- Digital oversight: Monitoring online sales platforms to ensure ethical standards and protect vulnerable buyers.
