Kuala Lumpur: The Dewan Rakyat on Monday passed the Competition (Amendment) Bill 2026 (Bill 712) and the Competition Commission (Amendment) Bill 2026 (Bill 713), strengthening the enforcement powers of the Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) in combating anti-competitive practices while enhancing protection for consumers and the domestic market.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the amendments mark an important step in enhancing MyCC’s capacity to carry out enforcement and investigations against anti-competitive conduct that harms the market.
He said the approvals of the two Bills represent one of the ministry’s key legislative reform initiatives to ensure the country’s competition ecosystem remains fair, transparent and sustainable.
It is also in line with the Government’s commitment to safeguarding consumer interests, curbing market manipulation and helping address cost of living issues through the implementation of a healthier competition framework.
“The focus of the amendments under Bill 712 is to strengthen MyCC’s enforcement and investigative powers so that action against anti-competitive practices can be carried out more effectively, efficiently and comprehensively.
“This initiative not only enhances protection for the market and consumers but also ensures that healthy competition continues to serve as a catalyst for the nation’s economic growth,” he said.
Elaborating, Armizan said Bill 712 comprises 34 amendments, involving improvements to 29 existing sections and the introduction of five new sections to strengthen the current legal framework.
Among the key amendments is the refinement of the definition of “association” under Section 2 to prevent trade associations from being misused as a platform for cartel arrangements or activities that could manipulate the market.
At the same time, the amendment requires trade associations to be more accountable in ensuring that all their activities comply with competition laws, enabling them to play their proper role in advancing industry development without undermining fair competition.
“One of the five new provisions is Section 11A, which provides for criminal action against any enterprise that fails to cooperate with or refuses to provide information to MyCC for the purpose of conducting market reviews.
“This new provision is important to ensure that every market review obtains complete, accurate and transparent data, allowing policies and enforcement actions to be formulated based on comprehensive facts.
“Bill 712 also introduces Section 58A, which empowers MyCC to file an appeal with the High Court if decisions made under Sections 35, 39 and 40 are overturned by the Competition Appeal Tribunal,” he said.
Armizan said to ensure effective implementation of the amendments under Bill 712, Bill 713 has also been amended to improve nine existing sections and introduce one new section.
They clarify the powers of the Commission, including granting it delegated authority to carry out specific functions, thereby improving administrative efficiency and MyCC’s enforcement capabilities.
The amendments to both Acts are expected to strengthen the integrity of the domestic market while boosting investor confidence in Malaysia’s more transparent and competitive business ecosystem.
