510 firms probed for suspected bid-rigging in tenders worth over RM3b

PARLIAMENT | The Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) is investigating 510 firms suspected of bid-rigging involving public and private sector tenders worth more than RM3 billion.

Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Armizan Ali said the commission has also “proposed actions” against 18 firms suspected of bid-rigging in food supply and cleaning services tenders worth over RM108.3 million.

Armizan (above) said the tenders involved 12 public sector entities, comprising six ministries, three public universities, two state Islamic religious departments, and a federal statutory body.

He also said evidence gathered by MyCC included the centralised coordination and preparation of tender documents, the exchange of information, including proposed bid prices, and the sharing of financial and human resources among the enterprises, Bernama reported.

The enterprises have been given the opportunity to submit representations before MyCC makes its final decisions, taking into account their responses and the evidence gathered during the investigation.

“MyCC has taken enforcement action against 58 companies for bid rigging, with penalties totalling RM98.49 million,” Armizan said when winding up the debate on the Supply Bill 2027 at the policy stage for his ministry in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

On Tuesday, the Education Ministry said it would look into allegations of a cartel or collusion in Phase Two of the cooked food supply service tenders for the 2027-2029 period.

The ministry was also prepared to cooperate with the MACC and other relevant authorities if further investigations were needed.

READ MORE: Wan Saiful urges MACC to probe school meal tenders, flags firms with residential addresses

E-commerce law

On the proposed e-commerce bill, Armizan said it would be tabled at the next Dewan Rakyat sitting to strengthen accountability among online platforms and sellers.

He said the proposed legislation would focus on four areas: consumer protection; the responsibilities of platform operators, online sellers, and consumers; efficient dispute resolution mechanisms; and alignment with international model laws.

The bill would also protect consumers from unfair trade practices and strengthen enforcement against cross-border e-commerce platforms selling goods and services directly to consumers in Malaysia.

“It will establish clear accountability to ensure a fair and equitable online business environment, particularly for local traders and consumers.

“This includes ensuring that foreign sellers and operating platforms meet appropriate standards of responsibility, particularly in consumer protection and transaction transparency,” the minister added.

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