KUSKOP will meet e-commerce platforms to discuss return and refund policies that are allegedly being manipulated by customers, causing losses to small traders.
KEPALA BATAS: The Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (KUSKOP) will hold a meeting with e-commerce portal and platform operators to discuss issues currently faced by online traders.
Its Minister Steven Sim said among the matters to be addressed are issues related to return and refund terms for goods purchased through such platforms, among others.
“Not only this issue, but certainly many others as well, including how we (KUSKOP) can collaborate with these portal operators in strengthening the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) ecosystem, as we see that e-commerce has strong potential and advantages,” he told reporters after officiating the MADANI Cooperative and Entrepreneur Sales Programme (JMKU) in Permatang Sintok here today.
He was commenting on media reports regarding loopholes in return and refund terms offered by e-commerce platforms, which have allegedly been manipulated by customers to obtain desired goods without making any payment.
As a result, terms that were originally intended to protect consumer rights against issues such as fraudulent listings or goods not matching descriptions have instead become a burden on sellers, particularly small traders.
Meanwhile, Sim said the launch of JMKU in Bertam marks the beginning of a new series of the programme, which will be expanded to several other locations across Penang to ensure that the benefits of essential goods being offered at prices lower than the market rate can be enjoyed inclusively by the public.
In addition to benefiting consumers, he said JMKU also serves as a support platform for small traders and cooperatives to stimulate the domestic economy, with 10 small entrepreneurs and cooperatives participating in today’s sales to ensure the community has access to quality, fresh products at competitive prices.
