Malaysia to crack down on ticket and collectibles scalping with new legislation

Malaysia is preparing legislation to combat scalping practices that have frustrated consumers seeking concert tickets, sporting event passes, and collectible items such as Pokemon cards. The move comes as resellers increasingly capitalise on limited supply and high demand, often using automated systems to purchase items in bulk before reselling them at inflated prices.

According to parliamentary sources, the government has committed to developing comprehensive curbs on secondary market reselling practices. Officials say the drafting process for the new regulatory framework will require a minimum of six months to complete, suggesting the legislation is unlikely to be tabled in parliament before mid-2025.

The proposed measures aim to protect legitimate consumers and ensure fair access to high-demand products. Authorities have indicated that the framework will likely include provisions targeting bulk purchasing practices and automated ticket acquisition systems commonly deployed by scalpers.

Industry observers note that similar legislation has been implemented in other jurisdictions, though enforcement has proven challenging. The Malaysian government's approach will need to balance consumer protection with legitimate resale activity and free market principles.

Details of the specific mechanisms to be included in the legislation remain under consideration. Stakeholders including event organisers, retailers, and consumer groups are expected to be consulted during the drafting phase.