The Communications and Multimedia Ministry (KKMM) has denied the existence of any plans to impose an additional service charge for purchases made on online platforms.

Earlier on 8 September, Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Zahidi Zainul Abidin told reporters in Kelantan that there were ongoing discussions to introduce an online shopping service charge. According to the deputy minister, the charge would be set at a rate of 0.02%, or 20 sen for purchases costing between RM200 and RM1,000 on online platforms.

According to Datuk Zahidi, the service charge was still in the planning stage and had not yet been officially presented. He had said that the revenue from the charge would be used to improve cybersecurity and prevent the occurrence of online scams.

“With reference to the statement made yesterday, September 8, 2020, in Kelantan, KKMM would like to clarify that there have not been any discussions on imposing a service charge of 20 sen for purchases below RM1,000 and 20 sen for every subsequent RM1,000 on e-commerce platforms,” said the ministry in a statement. It did not offer any further explanations on the matter.

• TAGS:
• Communications and Multimedia Ministry
• Deputy Minister of Communications and Multimedia
• E-Commerce Platforms
• KKMM
• Online Service Charge
• Online Shopping Charge