Competition Bill 2026 arms MyCC with whistleblower cash rewards, 40pc penalty cuts to strengthen cartel crackdown

KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 — The Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) will be empowered to offer cash rewards to whistleblowers and grant greater reductions in financial penalties to enterprises that admit liability early under the Competition (Amendment) Bill 2026, aimed at strengthening action against cartel activities.

Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the proposed amendments would equip MyCC with more robust enforcement tools, including the introduction of Section 64B, which provides for financial rewards to whistleblowers whose information leads to the detection of cartel arrangements.

He said the Bill also introduces a Settlement Offer mechanism under Section 38A, allowing enterprises that acknowledge liability at an early stage to enjoy an increased reduction of up to 40 per cent in financial penalties.

“The mechanism is critical in optimising the Commission’s resources, reducing the need for lengthy investigative procedures and minimising the risk of litigation after final decisions are issued,” he said when winding up the debate on the Bill at the Dewan Rakyat today.

Armizan said the proposed introduction of new Sections 64A and 64B would also establish a dedicated framework for whistleblower protection and financial rewards, as the existing Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 does not apply to competition cases, which are civil in nature.

“The Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 limits the definition of misconduct to disciplinary offences or criminal acts, whereas the Competition Act deals with civil matters. These amendments will ensure absolute protection for whistleblowers in civil competition cases,” he said.

Armizan said the amendments would also broaden the definition of “enterprise” from commercial activities to encompass all economic activities.

He said the change would provide MyCC with the legal authority to investigate industry associations found to have made decisions based on cartel arrangements involving price-fixing, market-sharing or output restrictions.

The Competition (Amendment) Bill 2026 was subsequently passed at the policy stage and will proceed to the committee stage on Monday. This will be followed by the second reading of the Competition Commission (Amendment) Bill 2026, which is also scheduled for the same day. 

The House adjourned until Monday. — Bernama