Two Competition-Related Amendment Bills Tabled For First Reading
KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Bernama) -- The Competition (Amendment) Bill 2026 and the Competition Commission (Amendment) Bill 2026 under the purview of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) were tabled for first reading in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, who tabled both Bills, said they would be tabled for second reading during the current parliamentary sitting.
The Competition (Amendment) Bill 2026 seeks to strengthen various provisions of the Competition Act 2010 (Act 712), including those relating to the investigative and enforcement powers of the Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC).
The Bill also aims to enhance decision-making procedures within MyCC and improve provisions governing the Competition Appeal Tribunal.
Clause 3 proposes expanding the scope of Act 712 to cover all economic activities rather than commercial activities alone, while Clause 7 would empower MyCC to obtain information or documents from any individual or government entity for the purpose of conducting market reviews under the Act.
Clause 13 introduces an offence for any person who intentionally destroys, conceals, defaces or alters data or other materials with the intent to deceive MyCC or obstruct, delay or hinder its investigations and enforcement activities.
Consequential amendments are also proposed to the Competition Commission Act 2010 (Act 713).
Clause 8 of the Competition Commission (Amendment) Bill further clarifies MyCC's role in advising the minister, public authorities and regulatory bodies on competition-related matters, including policies, procedures and programmes.
Clause 10 would allow MyCC to delegate any of its functions or powers to its chairman, committees, officers or employees.
In addition, Subclause 12(a) proposes that appointments of MyCC officers be made by the commission itself upon the recommendation of the chief executive officer, a move aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in the appointment process.
-- BERNAMA
