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IN a move signalling a robust whole-of-government approach, the Malaysian Competition Commission (MyCC) and the Department of Federal Territories (JWP) have entered into a formal strategic partnership to combat anti-competitive practices, particularly cartels and bid-rigging in public procurement.
The commitment was cemented through the signing of a Letter of Understanding (LoU), witnessed by the Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Datuk Armizaan Mohd Ali, and the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh.
The LoU was signed by Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Idris Harun, Chairman of MyCC, and Datuk Seri Noridah Abdul Rahim, Director-General of JWP.
Through this agreement, both agencies have pledged to collaborate across several key areas, including providing advisory services and preliminary assessment reports on potential bid-rigging practices, conducting regular training for procurement officers, and offering guidance on competition issues and associated risks within government procurement processes.
Noridah emphasised that JWP is taking the issue of cartels in public procurement seriously and is committed to reporting any indications or occurrences of anti-competitive behaviour to MyCC.
The collaboration covers all agencies under JWP’s jurisdiction, including Kuala Lumpur City Hall, Perbadanan Putrajaya, Perbadanan Labuan, the Federal Territories Land and Mines Office, Perbadanan Pembangunan Kampong Bharu, and the Federal Territories Sports Council.
“This LoU reflects the government’s continuous efforts to improve public procurement governance, prevent the formation of cartels, curb bid-rigging, and safeguard efficiency in public spending,” stated Idris. “By combining resources and expertise across agencies, we can ensure that public services are delivered effectively while minimising leakages and waste.”
The signing of this LoU represents a continuation of a series of collaborations launched by MyCC and the Ministry of Domestic Trade, which since September 2025 have included agreements with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry.
The joint initiative underscores a whole-of-government strategy to detect, deter, and prosecute anti-competitive practices in government procurement, enhancing transparency, efficiency, and integrity in the delivery of public services across Malaysia. - January 29, 2026