{
  "id": 7191517,
  "title": "Stronger law gives MyCC edge against cartels",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/stronger-law-gives-mycc-edge-against-cartels",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-13T23:01:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/09/1532190/stronger-law-gives-mycc-edge-against-cartels"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) has seen recent legislative changes that significantly bolster its authority in combating cartels, bid rigging, and price-fixing, according to Tan Sri Idrus Harun, MyCC chairman. These amendments, part of the Competition Commission (Amendment) Bill 2026, provide MyCC with expanded investigative powers, a settlement framework, and a clear court appellate process. Harun emphasized that the law must evolve to counter sophisticated cartel operations, which have moved from physical meetings to digital platforms like encrypted messaging apps. The amendments also address legal ambiguities that cartels exploit, such as trade associations evading liability by claiming non-enterprise status. The new definitions of \"agreement\" and \"enterprise\" now allow MyCC to investigate and hold trade associations accountable for facilitating anti-competitive behavior. Additionally, MyCC now has mandatory powers under Section 11A to collect data and documents from commercial entities via market reviews, a softer enforcement approach that helps identify structural issues affecting competition. A settlement mechanism under Section 38A reduces financial penalties by up to 40% for enterprises admitting liability, encouraging early resolution and benefiting consumers. Whistleblowers are protected and rewarded under Sections 64A and 64B to encourage exposure of cartels and bid-rigging schemes. These measures aim to ensure a fair and competitive market by imposing fines up to 10% of global turnover for up to 16 final infringement decisions involving 270 companies across sectors like transportation, agriculture, and construction. MyCC has already imposed RM667.3 million in penalties, with ongoing investigations targeting over 500 companies involved in RM4.34 billion in public and private tenders.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: Recent amendments to the Competition Act 2010 give the Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) more powers and tools in the battle against cartels, bid rigging and price-fixing.",
  "key_points": [
    "Malaysia Competition Commission gains stronger law to combat cartels.",
    "Amendments in Competition Commission (Amendment) Bill 2026 provide expanded powers.",
    "Settlement framework and court appellate process enhance enforcement."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Stronger law gives MyCC edge against cartels [WATCH]",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/stronger-law-gives-mycc-edge-against-cartels-watch",
        "published": "2026-09-13T23:01:28.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}