The Aporia
Yusof, I. M., & Sipalan, J. (2026, October 17). Malaysia’s shoppers love Chinese e-commerce. Its factories pay the price. South China Morning Post. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3371173/malaysias-shoppers-love-chinese-e-commerce-its-factories-pay-price?utm_source=rss_feed
Yusof, Iman Muttaqin, and Joseph Sipalan. “Malaysia’s shoppers love Chinese e-commerce. Its factories pay the price.” South China Morning Post, 17 Oct. 2026, https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3371173/malaysias-shoppers-love-chinese-e-commerce-its-factories-pay-price?utm_source=rss_feed.
Yusof, Iman Muttaqin, and Joseph Sipalan. “Malaysia’s shoppers love Chinese e-commerce. Its factories pay the price.” South China Morning Post, October 17, 2026. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3371173/malaysias-shoppers-love-chinese-e-commerce-its-factories-pay-price?utm_source=rss_feed.
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Chinese e-commerce giant Pinduoduo has gained popularity among Malaysian shoppers with its low prices and wide selection of products, but it is also hurting local businesses and the environment. Malaysian consumers are spending an average of 500 ringgit (US$122) a month on items like home decor, kitchen supplies, fashion, and stationery through Pinduoduo, which offers direct shipments from factories or warehouses in China. This has made it difficult for local firms to compete due to the rock-bottom prices offered by Pinduoduo, leading some local businesses to struggle financially. Additionally, the influx of imported goods is contributing to increased waste and landfill usage in Malaysia.