KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA February 12, 2026 – The Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC), under the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), has launched the Market Study on the Digital Economy Ecosystem under the Competition Act 2010, aimed at promoting healthy competition and protecting the interests of consumers and local businesses.
The launch event, officiated by KPDN Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, was held on 10 February 2026 at PARKROYAL Collection Kuala Lumpur and attended by approximately 300 participants, including representatives from ministries, government agencies, industry players, consumer organisations, and academic institutions.
The 18-month study, which began in July 2024, focuses on four key areas:
- Mobile operating systems and payment services
- Retail e-commerce platforms
- Digital advertising services
- Online travel agencies (OTAs)
The study also examines issues related to privacy and data protection.Key findings include practices by digital platforms—such as high commission structures, restrictive contract terms, limited pricing transparency, and control over user data—that potentially undermine fair competition. These practices impact the cost of living for Malaysians and the competitiveness of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
MyCC has proposed 18 comprehensive policy recommendations, including:
- Establishment of a Central Digital Economy Task Force with a whole-of-government approach
- Stronger enforcement against OTAs through collaboration with relevant ministries
- Improvements to digital taxation methods to ensure fair contributions from digital platforms
According to MyCC’s official statement, the study is crucial for assessing market structures and business practices in the digital economy sector that could affect competition, consumer choice, pricing of goods, and taxation in Malaysia.
The launch of this study is expected to serve as a foundation for policymakers to ensure fair, inclusive, and people-centred growth in Malaysia’s digital economy.
About The Author
