KUALA LUMPUR, May 16 -- Malaysian retailers are no longer debating the necessity of digitalisation, but rather focusing on how to optimise growth by merging e-commerce with physical stores.

The country's comprehensive internet infrastructure and public-private support have flattened entry barriers for businesses of all sizes to participate in the digital economy.

Local MSMEs across Malaysia have demonstrated how TikTok Shop's ecosystem helps unlock new income streams, increase store visits, build communities, and enhance customer experience.

According to Al-Cataly co-founder Nik Nur Adzuan, operating offline limited the business to the store's location.

"Expanding would require significant capital to open new locations, including upfr...