An RM15 million Seller Support Program for 70,000 SMEs who have experienced adverse impacts from MCOs has been announced by E-commerce company Shopee. 

The initiative will help small and medium-sized local businesses and companies in many industries, including retail, fresh produce and F&Bs, by digitalizing and taking them online.

The package seeks to support all its vendors by creating sales and growth opportunities, minimizing operating costs, and promoting sustainable development through financing, assistance, and education, said Shopee Regional Managing Director Ian Ho.

"The package is planned to create a positive long-term impact, even after MCO, and we hope that these efforts enable local small businesses to compensate for the lack of offline sales, increase cash flow, and, above all, maintain their operations.

"Above all, this package would be our sincere hope for Malaysians to ensure we are together in this, especially those who soon will celebrate Hari Raya," Ian said.

He said the kit is aimed at tackling the challenges faced by businesses following a collaboration between Shopee and retail associations, business chambers and company owners.

"Two of the problems found were small and/or medium-sized companies, searching for new markets like eCommerce but unaware of how to do it, and many online retailers who have been struggling to raise their costs and losing considerable revenue from low sales rates," he said.