Kuala lumpur: The Competition (Amendment) Bill 2026 seeks to fortify the enforcement against anti-competitive behavior in light of the increasing utilization of technology in cartel operations and the misuse of dominant market positions. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali emphasized the sophistication with which enterprises now conduct anti-competitive practices, leveraging technological advancements and new business models.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister Armizan highlighted that the Bill aims to enhance the provisions for enforcement actions against cartels and dominant market abuse, while also bolstering the investigative and enforcement capabilities of the Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC). He pointed out that cartels are now utilizing algorithms, communicating via disappearing messages, and employing digital erasure technologies to eliminate evidence of their communications.

The Minister explained that the review of the Competition Act 2010 incorporated MyCC's 14 years of investigative experience, benchmarking its procedures against other Malaysian agencies, principles of natural justice, and international best practices. The review concluded that the Act requires strengthening to effectively address the evolving market dynamics.

Furthermore, he stated that the proposed amendments are crucial for MyCC to adequately respond to complex and dynamic market structures, investigate sophisticated anti-competitive conduct, and tackle the inventive tactics used by enterprises to obscure such practices. Among the amendments in the 34-clause Bill is a proposal to amend Section 24, which would create a criminal offense for attempts to destroy, conceal, tamper with, or alter records and data with the intent of obstructing a MyCC investigation.