MyCC: Cartel whistleblowers to get stronger protection, rewards

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) will strengthen protection and provide rewards to whistleblowers who provide information on cartel activities or bid-rigging practices.

This follows amendments to the Competition Act 2010 and the Competition Commission Act 2010.

MyCC chief executive officer Datuk Iskandar Ismail said stronger protection was crucial as cartel activities typically occurred secretly 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 further 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 during the Ruang Bicara programme on Bernama TV today.

He said complainants also faced the risk of losing their jobs if they disclosed confidential company information, which was one of the factors making them reluctant to come forward.

"The 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.

Iskandar said, once the amendments are gazetted this year, MyCC will be able to provide more comprehensive protection to individuals who come forward with information.

He said the move would also make it easier for the public, particularly consumers, to lodge complaints regarding 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.

"At the same time, we will continue to conduct advocacy programmes for consumers every month," he said.

In this regard, MyCC is inviting individuals or companies with information on cartels to lodge complaints through various channels, including WhatsApp.

Iskandar said the amendments also expanded 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 MyCC will now have the power to conduct market studies on sectors affecting consumers.

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