Page 104 - FREN-C2021 PROCEEDINGS

COVID -19 SURGE E-COMMERCE

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Noor Azillah Mohamad Ali , Shahrul Amri Abd Wahab , Rozihanim Shekh Zain , Sutina Junos , Syazliana
Kasim 5

Universiti Teknologi MARA(UiTM) Negeri Sembilan Branch, Rembau Campus, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
Universiti Teknologi MARA(UiTM) Perlis Branch, Arau Campus, Malaysia

* Corresponding author: azillah853@uitm.edu.my

Abstract

Covid-19 transforms the business models tremendously. The business owner moved to digital
technologies which this crisis led to social distancing and lockdown nationwide. The business
landscape needs to adapt to a new norm. Transformation needs to sustain in the new challenging
landscape. Business needs to adopt technology to remain relevant in the industry. Although it’s
difficult from the traditional way of business into a business that supports digital technologies but is a
must to remain relevant in the industry. Covid-19 triggered digital to those who remain offline.

Keywords: E-commerce, Covid -19, Digital technology

Introduction
The Covid-19 pandemic has plagued around the world has affected the social and economic of people
lives. Everyone has to adjust to their new way of work and life. Everything changed and needs to
changes due to this crisis. Digitalization has increased tremendously and this makes a big
transformation towards businesses normally using a traditional method in promoting their product or
services. Covid-19 surge entrepreneurs make a move in their business planning. World Health
Organization did mention this pandemic will be ceased by the year 2022. So, entrepreneurs have to
adapt to a new landscape of business to be sustained in the market. Refer to (Pandey & Pal, 2020)
lockdown automatically rise of information system and network. This situation creates a massive
change in usage patterns and user behaviour.

Movement Control Order (MCO) was introduced in Malaysia in March 2020, everything
automatically changed. All activities in the economy especially in business activities affected.
Declining in purchase when consumers reducing outdoor activities and business owners are still
dependent on offline business. Meanwhile, many companies introduced Work from Home. This
situation gives a vast opportunity to all businesses to plan something and shift into digital style in
business. To those who are reluctant to adapt, highly possible their business remains closed. The
traditional market has been replaced by a digital or online market with greater scope (Khan, 2021).
This was proved that the Covid-19 situation boosts up online activities because the e-commerce
industry increased when lockdown been implemented. Consumers are gradually switched from offline
to online. The closure of physical stores due to lockdown and social distancing shoot e-commerce
industry. The government of Malaysia plans to transform digitally by 2030. Likelihood the plan will
be reached earlier due to pandemic situation. This situation will embark on shifting a new business
model into digitalization.

Development of Digitalization
Malaysian Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin launched MyDigital in February 2021, this was
an initiative that indicated the Malaysian government's aspiration to become a high-income nation
driven by digitization and as a regional leader in the digital economy. MyDigital a new and
comprehensive approach to the country’s digital economy by 2030. At this time, world economic

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