Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysian Micro Business Association (MAMBA) has expressed concern over the increasing discussions around the introduction of a standard minimal delivery fee, warning that such a step may significantly reduce online shopping activity and can be negatively affected by the local micro-element and the local micro-hypocritical economy.
It follows a nationwide survey that involves 720 online consumers by MAMBA, showing that 89.3% of respondents have not supported the introduction of high standard minimum delivery fee, prioritizing the lowest possible shipping cost regardless of courier brand with majority.
The survey also found that 93.5% of the respondents’ chances would be reduced or will prevent online shopping if shipping prices were increased.
Additionally, 59% said that if the minimum delivery price is fixed, they would buy less.
Commenting on the results of the survey, Mamba’s general secretary Alvin Low Wei Yan said that these conclusions confirm what small sellers of the association have been saying for months, that any increase in delivery fees increases the risks of drawing brakes on Malaysia’s lively e-commerce sector.
He said, “We should avoid a situation where a well-meaning policy inadvertently sides very subtle-elements that the government is trying to uplift through the 13th Malaysia scheme,” he said.
Recently launched, the 13th Malaysia Yojana (2026–2030) focuses a fresh national focus on promoting digital inclusion, increasing the competition of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and creating a more flexible supply chain.
Mamba insisted that it is central to maintain a cheap and flexible delivery option to achieve these results.
“When shipping costs increase, the first affected price-sensitive consumers and small online sellers who trust them.
Alvin said, “It directly reduces digital participation and income increase between micro and boutique vendors; supporting many groups of the 13th Malaysia scheme.”
The survey also found that 80.6% consumers prefer the lowest possible shipping costs, 82.9% do not have a preferred courier and are only concerned about shipping prices, 55.3% currently finds current shipping prices, and about 92.8% will not make additional payments for better and fast courier service.
Mamba is calling for engagement with industry stakeholders to ensure that any delivery pricing improvement is justified, data-operated, and do not create unnecessary obstacles to small vendors or their customers.
“As we proceed with digital and SME development goals, interactions around delivery fees should not lose the vision of consumer realities and seller stability.
“Cheap logistics are the backbone of online commerce, especially for micro -businesses,” Alvin concluded.
