Beware of online businesses’ pros and cons

SIBU: The COVID-19 pandemic has been a catalyst for the growth of online businesses, said federal Minister for Tourism, Arts, and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.

He said that starting with a single click of an order, online spending has grown rapidly and has also contributed to the country’s economic growth.

However, the Dudong assemblyman stated that, according to the National Cybersecurity Alliance, online shopping not only benefits merchants and buyers but also serves as a medium for cybercriminals to generate income.

“They deceive in various ways, whether by tricking users into paying for goods that will never arrive or by stealing users’ personal information for their own gain.

“In this context, consumers need to be smart in identifying trustworthy merchants before finalising any purchase,” he said in a speech read by his special assistant, Agatha Ting, who represented him at the Sarawak Consumer Protection Association’s dinner here on Saturday night.

Tiong said that amidst Malaysians’ obsession with buying on online platforms, the Member of Parliament for Bintulu reminded the public to also be more cautious and braver in exercising their consumer rights if they are deceived.

He stressed that it is undeniable that since the advent of online shopping, time and energy have been saved as everything can be done at one’s fingertips.

“However, do not get too carried away enjoying the technological convenience. Always remember to safeguard personal data so that joy does not turn into tears,” he added.

Meanwhile, touching on the establishment of the Sarawak Women’s Protection Association, Tiong said that the initiative aims to protect the rights of female consumers, who are among those prone to being influenced by online sales or purchases, whether through social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and so on.

Therefore, Tiong urged the Sarawak Consumer Protection Association to continue organising courses or talks related to consumerism.

Also present was the chairman of the Sarawak Consumer Protection Association, Datuk Seri Law Ying Mee.