by LYDIA NATHAN/ pic by MUHD AMIN NAHARUL

SHOPEE Malaysia said it has allocated RM15 million as part of its “Shopee Seller Support Package”, aimed to benefit 70,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia.

The e-commerce platform said the package is a result of engagement between itself, retail associations, business owners and chambers of commerce.

The shopping platform said in a statement yesterday that various sectors will be aided, including fresh produce, food and beverage, retail and others.

The firm’s regional MD Ian Ho (picture) said Shopee identified two main concerns with SMEs impacted by the Movement Control Order (MCO).

According to him, one of the main concerns was the lack of knowledge of SMEs to digitalise their businesses. “These SMEs need assistance or a partner that can provide them a clear instruction set to ensure they succeed with online selling,” he said.

Ho said existing sellers have been struggling with increasing costs and significant revenue loss from lower sales.

“Shopee wants to drive the digitalisation of traditional businesses and bring them online. The package will support all its sellers by creating sales and growth opportunities, reducing operational costs and facilitating sustainable development through funding, subsidies and education,” he added.

The package will offer various benefits including a discount for sellers in the “RM19 Free Shipping” and “Coins Cashback” programmes, which will help lower operating expenses and put more back into the pockets of business owners.

Ho said SMEs will also have sales support, particularly during the Ramadhan and Hari Raya period. “Shopee has allocated RM6 million in the form of vouchers and free paid advertising credits. Sellers stand to benefit from RM100,000 worth of dedicated campaign vouchers every week and receive up to RM400 each in free paid advertising credits to get more exposure for their products and stores,” he explained.

Shopee University is also set to ramp up its courses during this period by increasing the number of classes and breadth of topics.

Classes are currently conducted in English, Malay and Chinese, covering everything from store set-up, sales, marketing and operations.

Meanwhile for new sellers, Shopee said it will provide additional support, by giving RM400 in Shopee vouchers, RM200 in free paid advertising credits and free participation in its RM19 Free Shipping programme for two weeks.

For existing sellers, all of Shopee’s benefits will go on and it will continue to absorb shipping costs with its platform-wide subsidised free shipping programme. Ho said all the measures, both new and old displays Shopee’s commitment to grow local entrepreneurs and the Malaysian digital economy.

“The Shopee Seller Support Package is meant to create a positive long-term impact, even post-MCO. We understand that the country is going through a difficult time now and we hope these efforts will help local SMEs make up the loss in offline revenue, improve cashflow and most importantly, sustain their businesses.

“Above all, it is our sincere hope that this package would provide Malaysians the assurance that we are in this together, especially those who will soon be celebrating Hari Raya,” Ho added.