Latest news with #anti-competitive
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.'
RNZ News
15-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
NZ Trade Group put on notice over concerns around anti-competitive behaviour
NZ Trade Group (NZTG) describes itself as the leading network of electricians. Photo: 123RF A group that describes itself as the leading network of electricians has been put on notice about activity that the Commerce Commission says could be anti-competitive conduct. The commission has sent a compliance advice letter to NZ Trade Group (NZTG). Commerce Commission general manager of fair trading and credit said there were two areas of concern about the group. "The first related to the group's terms and conditions which contained a non-solicitation clause explicitly prohibiting members from actively soliciting other members' customers, employees and contractors. "The second related to the NZTG's private Facebook group. Several posts included discussions about rates, with members in some cases appearing to agree to price-match. "In both cases, the conduct raised issues under section 30 of the Act which prohibits any person entering into a contract or arrangement, or arriving at an understanding, that contains a cartel provision." The group had changed the terms and conditions of its membership and has added a banner to its Facebook group warning against discussion and conduct that could be anti-competitive. Horne said other membership organisations should take it as an opportunity to review their practices. "Trade associations, professional bodies and their members should be aware they could be held liable under the Commerce Act if conduct is shown to be anti-competitive. Penalties for breaching the Commerce Act can be severe, including potential imprisonment." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
