The Communications Ministry has clarified that the Reference Price Guidelines for Courier Services introduced by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) are not a mandatory minimum price but a self-regulatory measure to ensure fair pricing and service quality.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching stated that the pricing framework aims to balance consumer interests, industry competition, and worker welfare, particularly as 80% of parcel delivery workers come from the B40 group.
“The guidelines provide a reference price that license holders may apply to their customers, but it is not a fixed minimum price,” she said in Parliament.
She added that under Section 36 of the Postal Services Act 2012, courier service rates must be fair, non-discriminatory, cost-oriented, and aligned with international standards.
Malaysia’s courier industry has expanded significantly due to the e-commerce boom, with parcel volumes rising from 52 million in 2015 to over 899 million by Q3 2024. The industry has also created over 150,000 jobs, highlighting its growing economic impact.
“The rapid growth of e-commerce has transformed the courier landscape. Healthy competition among courier companies gives Malaysian consumers the power of choice,” Teo noted.
She assured that the MCMC continues to monitor service rates to prevent excessive pricing while maintaining a balance between industry sustainability and consumer affordability.
“The Reference Price Guidelines ensure fair wages for workers, service quality for consumers, and healthy competition among courier service providers,” she said.
This is a statement from Teo, answering questions from Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal in Dewan Rakyat today.
