The Malaysian Competition Commission (MyCC) is probing allegations that cartels are behind the hike in the price of ice and stationery.     

Chief executive officer Shila Doraj said Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Hasan Malek had ordered the probe.     

Several manufacturers of ice and the Federation of Stationers and Booksellers announced they would raise the price of goods.     

"Ice manufacturers will increase the price of each tube by 50 sen per bag  and RM2.50 for each block starting this month.     

"The Federation of Stationers and Booksellers announced price hikes in the first quarter of 2014," she said in a statement today.     

MyCC warned associations wanting to hike the price of ice  and stationery to do it independently and not bound by any agreement.     

This is because those that conspired to hike prices were committing a serious offence under the law.     

Shila said they could be fined the maximum 10 percent of the proceeds for contravening the Competition Act 2010.     

Thiose with information about associations and businesses that engage in  price fixing or cartel behaviour can contact MyCC at 03-2273 2277 or send email to complaints@mycc.gov.my.     

- Bernama