KUALA LUMPUR: The Shop Malaysia Online (SMO) campaign on Shopee returns for the second year to benefit more Malaysians through discount vouchers, cashbacks and free shipping subsidies, which in turn will help manage cost of living.
The company said last year, the "Ringgit-to-Ringgit" campaign on Shopee benefited over 2.9 million shoppers, generating more than RM540 million in sales for 80,000 Malaysian sellers on the e-commerce platform.
Shopee regional managing director Ian Ho said the data suggested that beyond economic impact, the initiative was also successful in driving digitalisation.
He said Shopee was pleased to be co-funding the campaign yet again to support the growth of Malaysia's digital economy and develop local micro, small and medium enterprises.
"Our primary focus in business is to empower local communities and sellers through hyper localised approaches and make e-commerce for everyone.
"Hence, a programme like SMO is definitely aligned with our mission and we are committing in ringgit and sen," he said.
SMO is an e-commerce initiative by the Ministry of Finance (MoF), with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) tasked at driving the campaign from now till December 31.
Shopee said while spurring domestic consumption was the short-term aim, the long-term objective of SMO was to shift more consumers online and encourage online shoppers to make a conscious choice of supporting local sellers.
To assist the government in achieving these objectives, Shopee said it was taking a three-pronged approach for the campaign this year.
Firstly, it said there would be attractive rewards in the form of discount vouchers, coins cashback and free shipping subsidies for Malaysian consumers when they support and spend with local sellers bearing the "ShopMalaysia" tag.
Secondly, Shopee seeks to generate footfall and cashflow back to brick and mortar retailers such as food and beverage (F&B) players, convenience stores, pharmacies and more through cashback and discounts of more than RM3.
Thirdly, this year's SMO will also feature added support for sellers to export and unlock new markets.