Cartel whistleblowers to get rewards, stronger protection, says MyCC

The Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) will strengthen protection and give rewards to whistleblowers who provide information on cartel activities or bid-rigging practices, following amendments to the Competition Act 2010 (Act 712) and the Competition Commission Act 2010 (Act 713).

MyCC CEO Iskandar Ismail said stronger protection was crucial because cartel activities typically occur in secret and behind the scenes, requiring the cooperation of whistleblowers connected to companies or consumers.

“Previously, protection did exist but it was insufficient. Now we are enhancing the protection in addition to providing rewards.

“There were complainants who came forward to provide information previously, but when no reward was given, they left,” he said in a Ruang Bicara programme titled “Empowerment of the Business Ecosystem and Consumer Rights through Amendments to Acts 712 and 713” on Bernama TV yesterday.

He said complainants also risked losing their jobs if they disclosed confidential company information – one of the factors which made them reluctant to come forward.

“Complainants said that they were risking themselves to come to MyCC, yet no compensation would be given to them should they lose their job for leaking company secrets,” he said.

Once the amendments are gazetted this year, he said MyCC would be able to provide more comprehensive protection for individuals who come forward with information.

He said the move would also make it easier for the public, particularly consumers, to lodge complaints about anti-competitive practices.

“Now that there is protection, when we enforce these (amendments) this year, it will be easy for everyone, especially consumers, to make complaints.

“We will also continue to conduct advocacy programmes for consumers every month,” he said.

He said MyCC invited individuals or companies with information on cartels to lodge complaints through a number of channels, including WhatsApp.

He said the amendments would also expand MyCC’s role in conducting market studies that have a significant impact on the people, including in the digital economy and e-commerce sectors.

He said cooperation with competition agencies in other countries also enabled MyCC to obtain information to ensure that the domestic market did not fall victim to anti-competitive practices by international companies.

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