Last updated: January 2024
What better way to spend your free time than shopping in air conditioned malls in a tropical country with your friends? Even without anything specific in mind, Malaysians love a good window shopping every once in a while.
As much as we want to stay indoors safe and sound, it is a necessary trip to fetch groceries and get home supplies.
With the virus possibly everywhere, civilians found an alternative and leaned more into online shopping. Popular online shopping sites like Shopee and Lazada have thrived further since the pandemic and it will most likely continue to grow through the years.
Study conducted by GlobalWebIndex shows that 80% of Malaysians from age 16 to 65 are already shopping online. Although it is convenient and really easy, there are still scams out in the market if you are unaware how to check properly before purchasing.
Fortunately, you do not have to experience it to learn, we will give you the tips and tricks you need to enjoy online shopping and get your money’s worth!
Where to Shop Online in Malaysia?
It is important to know which site you should shop at. Just like physical window shopping, you could check different sites and different shops to find which one best fits your needs. Here are some of the most popular Malaysian Online Shopping Sites you can look into!
Shopee
Shopee tops Southeast Asia’s most visited e-commerce platform ranking. It is known for having slightly cheaper prices for small and general products. They also offer a lot of discounts and reward programs like Shopee coins that you acquire for every purchase in eligible stores or by playing their games.
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Lazada
Lazada started three years earlier than Shopee and has previously dominated the local online shopping market. With the tight competition now, this site is preferred for its organized and aesthetic user interface. They offer lower prices for big purchases like gadgets and equipment.
Carousell
Perhaps you are searching to buy second hand items from a safe site, Carousell would be the one to look into since they offer a wide variety of new and used units. Some listings have Carousell protection tags which let you release payment upon confirming receipt of complete and working items. But if you are buying big electronics, or properties you should set a meet up with the seller first to check personally before paying anything.
eBay
eBay is the perfect site for unique items you cannot find in local stores. This online shopping site is one of the first successful e-commerce platforms globally. You could find exclusive items or collectible items from overseas sellers on eBay which could mean higher courier fees and longer delivery time.
Mudah.my
This website has been around since 2007 and is composed of both business and individual sellers. However, it is more of an online classified marketplace where you can also see job listings, properties for sale, and second-hand items. We have to warn you though that there is no payment protection in the site so it is best to pay Cash on Delivery to avoid fraudulent transactions.
Facebook Marketplace
If you are more confident in purchasing online, you can brave the Facebook Marketplace for items closer to your location. If you prefer same day deliveries for groceries, you can also check with the nearest supermarkets and malls to you. Some have adapted to the situation and started taking orders online or via phone, preparing your groceries, and delivering them right at your doorstep.
How to Shop Online in Malaysia?
Check the Store Background
First, always go to the store’s profile and see if they are a local or overseas seller. There are stores with “preferred” tags on them which you could buy from without having to explore so much. These preferred stores are selected by the platform team based on their high sales performance, satisfactory shop ratings, quick and efficient shipping, and good customer service.
If you prefer to purchase directly from an authentic mall or brand, big brands have their flagship store in
