Latest news with #SPMPS
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Private medical practitioners' proposal potentially violates Competition Act: MyCC
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) has warned that proposals by private medical practitioner associations in several states to implement new service charges could potentially breach the Competition Act 2010. This comes in response to reports that several associations representing private medical practitioners are looking to introduce new service charges including prescription and registration fees, regulatory compliance charges, and facility usage fees some of which may have already been implemented or are under review. MyCC chairman Tan Sri Datuk Seri Idrus Harun said such practices are considered serious violations and are commonly referred to as cartel activities, which are illegal regardless of whether the pricing agreement has been implemented or merely agreed upon. 'These additional charges reportedly include prescription fees, registration fees, regulatory compliance charges, and facility usage fees, which may already be in effect or currently under consideration. 'MyCC stated firmly that any collective decision by associations representing general practitioners (GPs) or private doctors to introduce such charges could be in violation of the Competition Act 2010 (Act 712),' he said in a statement. Idrus added under Section 4(2)(a) of the Act, private doctors and GPs are regarded as 'enterprises,' and any agreement between enterprises including decisions by associations to fix prices or trading terms may constitute anti-competitive conduct. 'If any association or organisation collectively agrees to introduce new charges, it may be interpreted as a price-fixing arrangement. Even non-binding pricing recommendations could be deemed price-fixing under Section 4 of the Act,' he said. The Sarawak Private Medical Practitioners' Society (SPMPS), the Private Medical Practitioners' Association of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur (PMPASKL), and the Penang Medical Practitioners' Society (PMPS) have been specifically cautioned about the possibility of violating Competition Act. MyCC urged SPMPS to withdraw its advisory encouraging members to implement these new charges. PMPASKL and PMPS have also been advised not to hold any meetings or make decisions that could result in the uniform imposition of new charges, as this could be considered a breach of the law. 'Under the Competition Act 2010, any enterprise found guilty of violating the Act may face financial penalties of up to 10% of its global turnover during the period of infringement. 'MyCC will not hesitate to initiate investigations and take strict enforcement actions against any parties involved in anti-competitive conduct,' said Idris. He further stressed MyCC is closely monitoring the situation and called on all stakeholders in the healthcare sector to fully comply with competition laws. 'MyCC reaffirms its commitment to promoting a competitive, healthy, and transparent marketplace for the benefit of consumers and the integrity of Malaysia's economy,' he added.
The Sun
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Private doctors' fee plan may breach Competition Act: MyCC
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) has warned that proposals by private medical practitioner associations in several states to implement new service charges could potentially breach the Competition Act 2010. This comes in response to reports that several associations representing private medical practitioners are looking to introduce new service charges including prescription and registration fees, regulatory compliance charges, and facility usage fees some of which may have already been implemented or are under review. MyCC president Tan Sri Datuk Seri Idrus Harun said such practices are considered serious violations and are commonly referred to as cartel activities, which are illegal regardless of whether the pricing agreement has been implemented or merely agreed upon. 'These additional charges reportedly include prescription fees, registration fees, regulatory compliance charges, and facility usage fees, which may already be in effect or currently under consideration. 'MyCC stated firmly that any collective decision by associations representing general practitioners (GPs) or private doctors to introduce such charges could be in violation of the Competition Act 2010 (Act 712),' he said in a statement. Idrus added under Section 4(2)(a) of the Act, private doctors and GPs are regarded as 'enterprises,' and any agreement between enterprises including decisions by associations to fix prices or trading terms may constitute anti-competitive conduct. 'If any association or organisation collectively agrees to introduce new charges, it may be interpreted as a price-fixing arrangement. Even non-binding pricing recommendations could be deemed price-fixing under Section 4 of the Act,' he said. The Sarawak Private Medical Practitioners' Society (SPMPS), the Private Medical Practitioners' Association of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur (PMPASKL), and the Penang Medical Practitioners' Society (PMPS) have been specifically cautioned about the possibility of violating Competition Act. MyCC urged SPMPS to withdraw its advisory encouraging members to implement these new charges. PMPASKL and PMPS have also been advised not to hold any meetings or make decisions that could result in the uniform imposition of new charges, as this could be considered a breach of the law. 'Under the Competition Act 2010, any enterprise found guilty of violating the Act may face financial penalties of up to 10% of its global turnover during the period of infringement. 'MyCC will not hesitate to initiate investigations and take strict enforcement actions against any parties involved in anti-competitive conduct,' said Idris. He further stressed MyCC is closely monitoring the situation and called on all stakeholders in the healthcare sector to fully comply with competition laws. 'MyCC reaffirms its commitment to promoting a competitive, healthy, and transparent marketplace for the benefit of consumers and the integrity of Malaysia's economy,' he added.
Free Malaysia Today
23-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
MyCC warns private healthcare groups against price-fixing
MyCC said it will not hesitate to investigate and take strict enforcement action if evidence of anti-competitive conduct is found among private medical practitioners. (Reuters pic) PETALING JAYA : The Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) has warned several private medical practitioner associations that their proposed service-related charges may breach the Competition Act 2010. MyCC said recent reports in health news portal Code Blue indicate that private healthcare groups in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang and Sarawak are considering or have already implemented additional fees. These include prescription charges, registration fees, regulatory compliance charges and facility fees. MyCC said any collective decision made by associations to introduce new charges could be seen as anti-competitive behaviour under Section 4 of the Competition Act. 'Such conduct is categorised as a serious infringement… This constitutes a breach of the act, regardless of whether it is implemented or simply agreed upon,' said MyCC chairman Idrus Harun in a statement. He also said any recommendation for a price range, regardless of whether it is binding or not, may be regarded as price-fixing under the Competition Act. The warning was directed at the Society of Private Medical Practitioners Sarawak (SPMPS), the Private Medical Practitioners' Association of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur (PMPASKL) and the Penang Medical Practitioners Society (PMPS). Idrus urged SPMPS to withdraw its advisory promoting the implementation of new fees and called on PMPASKL and PMPS to avoid any collective action that may lead to uniform pricing decisions. He said MyCC would not hesitate to investigate and take strict enforcement action if evidence of anti-competitive conduct is found. Offending parties could face financial penalties of up to 10% of their global turnover during the period of infringement. 'MyCC is closely monitoring this matter and strongly urges all stakeholders, especially those in the healthcare sector, to fully comply with the Competition Act,' said Idrus. 'MyCC remains steadfast in its mission to uphold a competitive, healthy and transparent market, safeguarding both consumer welfare and the integrity of the Malaysian economy.'
