23/08/2025

SATURDAY | AUG 23, 2025

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563 companies probed over trade cartel involvement

Deputy minister to oversee Indian community projects KUALA LUMPUR: Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Deputy Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan has been given the responsibility of overseeing and monitoring the implementation of projects involving temples and Tamil schools. It is understood that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, through Treasury Secretary-General Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican, recently instructed Ramanan to be responsible for the affairs of the Indian community, including drafting new initiatives for the benefit of the group. Ramanan, who is also PKR vice-president and Sungai Buloh MP, confirmed that he has received a letter regarding the matter last Monday. “I have been informed about the matter and I will comment further after holding a discussion with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim soon.” He said he would first liaise with the Prime Minister’s Department and the Education Ministry before announcing his plans. Ramanan has worked on several initiatives through the Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry since being appointed to the position in December 2023. Among them is the allocation of RM100 million through the Indian Community Entrepreneur Development Scheme and Goes Big through Tekun Nasional, which is the largest amount in history to be specially allocated to the Indian community. Ramanan said a total of RM100 million was allocated for Indian women entrepreneurs through the Prosperity Empowerment and A New Normal for Indian Women, RM100 million through Bank Rakyat Indian Entrepreneur Financing-i, in addition to RM50 million for the Vanigham Financing Scheme under SME Bank to help small businesses. – Bernama Investigation into ‘misleading’ newspaper article KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Ministry has launched an investigation involving the Sarawak Tribune following a public complaint over the publication of an article, titled “Militant Using Press Cover Eliminated”, which was published on Aug 12. The ministry said in a statement yesterday three individuals from the publishing company were summoned to provide their statements. The ministry said the investigation focused on the publication of material deemed inappropriate, which could potentially alarm the public, threaten public order and constitute possible violations of permit conditions under the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 (Act 301). “Newspaper organisations are reminded to exercise greater care, responsibility and ethical standards in their reporting.” The offence of publishing false, misleading news or publications categorised as undesirable can be subject to action under Act 301, and those found guilty could be sentenced to imprisonment not exceeding three years or a fine not exceeding RM20,000, or both, including possible revocation of the publication permit. – Bernama

formation of any cartels or monopolies in the market,” he said when winding up debates on the 13th Malaysia Plan in the Dewan Rakyat. Armizan said the ministry also takes note of suggestions to improve the detection and investigation process towards cartel and bid-rigging activities. He said MyCC has the mandate to carry out investigations based on four approaches. This includes through its ex-officio status, instructions from the minister, information received from the public, government industries or industry players or through information received from those involved in anti-competitive activities. Armizan said MyCC does not have the authority to instruct ministries or agencies to remove or exclude any bidders from the screening process for any tender if the bidders were not proven to have violated the Act.

outline the government’s success in addressing trade cartels and subsidy abuse, and whether investigation results would be periodically released to the public. He added that the ministry, through MyCC, takes trade cartel issues very seriously. “Under competition law, trade cartel (activities) are considered the most serious offence as they constitute a form of economic sabotage, affecting not only the national economy but also consumer rights,” he said. On Thursday, Armizan said amendments to Act 712 are in the final stages and are expected to be tabled in Parliament by year-end. The proposed amendments include the introduction of more comprehensive and effective communication legislation, covering all industries under a unified legal framework. “This will include the introduction of a merger control regime that can prevent the

o MyCC focusing on alleged RM2.66 billion public procurement bid-rigging scheme, says ministry

PETALNG JAYA: The Malaysian Competitive Commission (MyCC) is investigating 563 companies suspected of being involved in trade cartel activities, with a particular focus on an alleged RM2.66 billion public procurement bid-rigging scheme, said the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry. However, the ministry did not provide a timeline for the current investigations, nor did it provide details about which sectors the 563 companies operate in or details regarding the alleged RM2.66 billion bid-rigging scheme. Ű BY MAHADHIR MONIHULDIN newsdesk@thesundaily.com KUALA LUMPUR: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry told Parliament that more than 1,900 cases involving diesel smuggling and subsidied goods were recorded in Sabah and Sarawak since the start of last year. “Between Jan 1, 2024 and Aug 18, 2025, Ops Tiris 3.0 recorded 45,319 investigations, which resulted to 1,968 cases involving diesel smuggling. “Seizures following these operations totalled 16.8 million litres of diesel, estimated at over RM38 million,” the ministry said in reply to a question by Julai MP Datuk Larry Sng on Aug 21. The ministry added that in Sabah, there were 871 cases recorded for the period Jan 1, 2023 to July 8, 2025, with seizures valued at RM4.2 million and 150 arrests. In Sarawak, 522 cases were recorded for the same period, with RM12.6 million in seizures and 100 arrests. “We have strengthened cooperation with enforcement agencies including police, the Customs Department, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and the Road Transport Department. “These joint operations were carried out under Ops Tiris. We have Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com KUCHING: The Health Ministry is conducting a mapping exercise of traditional medicine practitioners and practices involving the indigenous communities in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. Health Deputy Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said the initiative is being implemented in

Its minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said since 2012, the commission has imposed RM647.9 million in penalties against 265 companies found guilty of being part of trade cartels. “All MyCC decisions regarding the aforementioned cases, including the RM647.9 million in financial penalties, are published on the MyCC website for public viewing, in line with the requirements of the Competition Act 2010 (Act 712), which mandates that such decisions be made publicly available,” he said in a written parliamentary reply. Armizan was responding to Misbahul Munir Masduki (PN-Parit Buntar), who asked the ministry to

RM38 million diesel seized in Sabah and Sarawak

The ministry said cooperation with enforcement agencies has been strengthened to ensure tighter control. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

understanding between modern and traditional medical approaches is crucial in achieving a more holistic and inclusive healthcare system. “Through community-based initiatives, we hope to ensure that these heritage practices are preserved and accorded due recognition at a higher level,” he said. – Bernama “Sales of diesel to Malaysian registered heavy vehicles are capped at 250 litres per day and must be filled directly into the vehicle tank. Sales into containers require written approval via a special permit.” The ministry said it has also supervised petrol stations in border states through logbooks and pump checks since 2021.

On retail monitoring, the ministry said the permit system is being used as a control mechanism. “The Permit for Scheduled Controlled Goods is one of the measures to track the sale of subsidised diesel. “We also enforced a ban on the sale of RON95 and subsidised diesel to foreign-registered vehicles on June 17, 2022.

collaboration with local universities, policymakers, practitioner communities, tribal representatives and local researchers. “This mapping and identification process serves as the foundation for developing a strategic recognition plan,” he said after officiating at the Jalinan Madani programme with Sarawak Indigenous Traditional also placed enforcement officers at eight border entry points since Jan 20, 2024 to ensure tighter control,” the ministry said. It added that firm action has been taken against companies involved in violations, with a total of 34 companies facing action, including revocation and suspension of permits between 2024 and 2025.

Mapping initiative to recognise traditional medicine practices

Medicine

Practitioners

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yesterday. Earlier in his speech, Lukanisman emphasised that traditional medicine is not merely a form of treatment but also an integral part of lifestyle, spirituality, emotional well-being and social support of the indigenous community. He said fostering mutual