Lazada Malaysia has launched a RM10 million fund, Pakej Kedai Pintar, to help local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to sell their products online from April to June 2020.

In a statement today, the e-commerce platform said an estimated 50,000 local SMEs are expected to benefit from the “stimulus package” which offers a series of customised measures for businesses during the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lazada said the initiative aims to help the SMEs, especially those in the fresh food and groceries categories, new and existing e-commerce sellers, brick-and-mortar retailers as well as those who are planning to set up stalls for the Ramadan bazaar.

Eligible SMEs would be able to enjoy free shipping services, receive fixed weekly payments and take advantage of the services of a dedicated support team to on-board, train and develop customised sales campaign through Lazada University.

“SMEs from the fresh food and groceries categories, as well as new and existing Lazada sellers will also be entitled to zero commission and zero listing fees, on top of gaining access to micro loan facilities,” it said.

It said through the initiative, SME retailers that are new or have little experience in e-Commerce could expect 100 per cent of their online selling costs to be covered.

“They will be able to quickly diversify their revenue streams beyond the traditional bricks-and-mortar model,” it said.

Chief executive officer Leo Chow said local SMEs are essential to the nation’s economic growth and the company hopes to bolster Malaysians’ confidence amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

“We want to reach out to anyone who has a business. Without any payment or charges, you can continue to run your business while benefiting from Lazada’s e-commerce expertise and robust logistics infrastructure,” he added.

-- BERNAMA