Data Protection (PDPA)
Also known as: PDPA, Personal Data Protection Act
Data protection under the PDPA is the set of legal obligations governing how organisations collect, use, store and share personal data in commercial transactions.
Malaysia's Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) regulates the handling of personal data in commercial dealings, requiring consent, purpose limitation, security safeguards and rights for individuals to access and correct their data. In procurement, this affects supplier contacts, buyer user accounts, and any personal information exchanged through portals, tenders or onboarding forms.
Buyers should confirm that suppliers and technology providers handle personal data lawfully, especially where systems store contact details, payment information or employee records. Contracts often include data-protection clauses setting out responsibilities and breach notification. Choosing platforms with clear data-handling practices reduces exposure and supports the organisation's own compliance with the PDPA.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the PDPA?
- The Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) is Malaysia's law governing how organisations collect, use, store and share personal data in commercial transactions, including consent, security and individual rights.
- How does the PDPA affect procurement?
- It applies to personal data handled in supplier onboarding, portals, tenders and payments, so buyers must ensure suppliers and platforms process that data lawfully and include appropriate data-protection clauses in contracts.
Related terms
Regulatory Compliance
Regulatory compliance is the practice of ensuring procurement activities meet the laws, regulations and industry standards that apply to an organisation.
Read definitionSupplier Code of Conduct
A supplier code of conduct is a document setting out the ethical, labour, safety and environmental standards an organisation expects its suppliers to uphold.
Read definitionDue Diligence
Due diligence is the process of investigating a supplier's legitimacy, capability and risk before entering into a business relationship.
Read definitionSupplier Information Management (SIM)
Supplier information management (SIM) is the practice and software of collecting, storing and keeping up to date the master data an organisation holds on its suppliers.
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