MP pitches online Rahmah vouchers to help traders compete with Pinduoduo
Khoo Poay Tiong suggested consumers could redeem the proposed vouchers through TikTok and Shopee to support Malaysian businesses.
An online voucher scheme could help Malaysian traders compete against foreign e-commerce operators such as China-based Pinduoduo, Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong told the Dewan Rakyat during debate on Budget 2027 on Oct 20.
Khoo suggested creating e-Rahmah by taking the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry’s programme for low-priced essentials online. He proposed vouchers redeemable through platforms including TikTok and Shopee, saying this could steer spending to local businesses while legislation dealing with Pinduoduo’s impact takes time.
Local retailers and e-commerce players had raised concerns about unequal competition with China-based platforms, according to reporting by The Edge Malaysia weekly in its Aug 24-30 edition. Their complaints included Pinduoduo not having to meet the regulatory and tax obligations imposed on local traders.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said during his Oct 9 presentation of Budget 2027 that the government would bring an E-Commerce Bill before a forthcoming parliamentary sitting. It would regulate foreign platforms conducting e-commerce in Malaysia.
Khoo separately called for a railway between Melaka and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). He said a route of about 90km could take about 30 minutes to travel, and could boost tourism, draw investment and support business activity in Melaka.
