Senate Passes Competition Bill to Strengthen Anti-Cartel Enforcement

KUALA LUMPUR, July 27, 2026 – The Senate has passed the Competition (Amendment) Bill 2026, aimed at curbing cartels, monopolies, and anti-competitive practices that contribute to rising living costs. Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Dr Fuziah Salleh said the amendments empower the Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) with stronger investigative powers, market reviews, settlements, and undertakings. She noted reforms will be phased, with a merger control regime planned under the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026–2030).

Anti-Cartel

The Bill strengthens enforcement against collusive conduct, particularly in the digital economy, where cartels and abuse of dominant positions have become more sophisticated. Fuziah stressed the law targets harmful practices, not NGOs or associations. Since 2012, MyCC has imposed RM667.3 million in penalties on 270 companies and is investigating 13 active cases, including bid-rigging cartels worth over RM2 billion. The Dewan Rakyat passed the Bill earlier on July 6.

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