KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 2026 — Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim today reaffirmed the Madani government’s strong support for Malaysia’s digital economy and small businesses while announcing the first online Jualan Ihsan Rahmah 9.9 sale, set for September 9 to coincide with Malaysia Day.
Speaking at the TikTok Shop Summit Malaysia 2026 in the capital, Anwar joined thousands of small traders, entrepreneurs, young people and content creators at the event, which was also attended by Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, and Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Steven Sim.
In a statement on X, Anwar said he expressed the government’s backing for efforts to broaden public participation in the digital economy, which has created new avenues for income generation, business expansion and improved livelihoods.
“I am proud to see the success of entrepreneurs and content creators, especially young people who dare to explore new opportunities through technological advances, including artificial intelligence (AI). Their potential is enormous if given the space, skills, training and support they need,” he wrote.
The Madani government would continue acting as a catalyst by streamlining processes and ensuring facilities and assistance reach youths, small traders and new entrepreneurs facing constraints in capital, experience and access, he added.
During a question-and-answer session, Anwar said he heard first-hand the challenges participants face, including financing difficulties and competition from foreign platforms and products that undermine the competitiveness of local traders and producers.
These concerns would be examined carefully, with reasonable proposals considered, including in Budget 2027. At the same time, e-commerce regulations would be strengthened to protect consumers, ensure fair competition and safeguard the interests of local traders.
Separately, Anwar said the government would expedite the drafting of a new e-commerce bill to update the regulatory framework beyond the 2006 Electronic Commerce Act, improve ease of doing business, and provide better protection for stakeholders while supporting legitimate enterprises and curbing misuse of platforms.
He also announced the inaugural online Jualan Ihsan Rahmah 9.9 on September 9, 2026. The initiative aims to help Malaysians obtain essential goods at lower prices while giving small traders opportunities to market their products at reduced costs and boost their income. The Rahmah sales programme, led by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, typically offers discounts of 10 to 30 per cent on necessities.
“Insya-Allah, this initiative will help the people obtain necessities at lower prices, while opening opportunities for small traders to market products at lower costs and increase their income,” Anwar said.
The summit highlighted TikTok Shop’s role in empowering local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through discovery commerce and live selling, with the platform committing further support for local sellers under its #JomLokal initiatives.
Anwar’s attendance underscored the government’s alignment with digital platforms as engines for inclusive economic growth, particularly for younger Malaysians entering business with limited resources.
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