KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 ― Shopee is an eCommerce platform that offers almost anything from tech gadgets, home appliances and groceries to even unusual things like rocks and leaves. However, it has been discovered recently that Shopee Malaysia has allowed listings of controversial items such as child-like sex dolls which are selling for more than RM1,300 each.

Although sex toys are allowed on Shopee under its adult listing, a Twitter user highlighted that the items depicted the bodies of a child. What’s disturbing is some of these items have been sold with some customers leaving reviews about the product. In a separate screenshot, there’s even a Shopee listing that sells a doll wearing a child’s baju kurung school uniform.

After the dolls went viral, Shopee had taken action by removing the controversial listings. Shopee has responded on Twitter saying that they have permanently banned the associated seller account and highlighted that such content has no place on its platform. Shopee added that they are committed to providing all users with a safe, reliable and enjoyable shopping experience and they have zero tolerance for the sale of offensive items on its platform. The eCommerce platform also emphasised that all sellers are required to adhere to their policies as well as local government regulations, and they will take stern action against sellers who don’t comply.

Shopee does have a list of prohibited items for its sellers but the recent listing raises concerns if Shopee is doing enough to monitor products listed on its eCommerce platform. According to its FAQ, “It is the seller’s responsibility to implement cross-checks prior to listing the products.”

For its adult listings, Shopee has implemented an age detection and censorship feature that blocks users under the age of 18. Sellers can display the product image but no nudity is allowed under its guidelines.

Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan said the dolls have been on the market since the middle of last year based on the date of the reviews which were posted as early as May 18, 2022. He said it is time to talk about the need of regulating eCommerce platforms as they must be more mindful about what is being sold on their marketplace. ― SoyaCincau