Use of eCommerce platform by Malaysia SMEs still low

The use of the eCommerce platform by entrepreneurs of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia is still low and needs to be enhanced.

International Trade and Industry (Miti) Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said there is a fear that these entrepreneurs would be left behind and fail to strengthen themselves in the market, if they did not ready themselves to take advantage of the Digital Free Trade Zone (DFTZ) which provides conducive platforms such as alibaba.com for cross-border trade.

"Platforms, including alibaba.com, must be used, so that local products can enter and compete in the global market.

"I know that to date, of the 645,000 SMES, only 10,000 have registered with alibaba.com. We also have a lot more eCommerce platforms, including ebay and amazon.com," he told reporters here today.

Ahmad who was on a working visit, met with the UMNO IT Bureau here and in Semporna.

At the same time, he also visited three SMEs here, namely the Suria Bakery, Asmah Dental Clinic (Spa Dental) and Putra Gymnasium, as well as 1Q Mineral Water in Semporna.

Ahmad adviced SME entrepreneurs throughout the country to master the relevant knowledge and technology needed to enhance their products and compete in the eCommerce platform.

"I understand that those entrepreneurs who use the eCommerce platform succeed in improving their marketing by as much as 300 per cent," he said.

He said SME entrepreneurs who want to market their products outside the country will be assisted by agencies under Miti such as the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), which offers trade advice on understanding strategies to penetrate the global market, including promotional programmes.

"What is important is that SME entrepreneurs are smart in seeking information at www.matrade.gov.my and www.smecorp.gov.my , to grab the opportunities to progress," Ahmad added. --Bernama