Regulating Digital Pharmacies in Malaysia

Lessons from the United States

Abstract

E-commerce has experienced rapid growth, and access to pharmaceutical products has changed, raising questions about unauthorised online sales and platform responsibility. Malaysia has a comprehensive pharmaceutical legislation, but it’s not adjusted to digital intermediaries. By comparison, the United States takes a complex regulatory approach that includes federal drug regulations as well as market-based transparency requirements. This study employs doctrinal and comparative approaches to assess the adequacy of Malaysia's regulatory framework. The findings highlight fragmented enforcement and weak platform responsibilities, underscoring the need for reforms to improve verification, traceability, and consumer protection.