All online businesses are required to comply with the Malaysian Consumer Protection Regulations (Electronic Business Transactions) 2012 (I discuss what businesses need to do to follow these regulations in the previous article, Malaysian Regulation and E-Commerce and Online Trade Protection). This includes businesses that sell products through social networking sites like Facebook and Instagram.
If a business fails to comply, then it is a crime under the registration of the Business Act. The maximum penalty is RM50000 (around $ 13,000 USD) or up to two years in prison. This is not a small violation, and for those who try to increase their current income, it is not worth the risk.
The registration fee is only RM30, and registration is a simple process. Businesses will also get other benefits, such as access to microcell and insurance protection.