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MyCC studying use of permits for importing onions, meat, coconuts

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) is currently conducting studies on having approved permits (AP) and import permits (IP) for onions, meat and coconuts.

Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the findings of this study were expected to be presented to the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) by the end of this year.

"Under the directive of the MTEN, MyCC is currently conducting a study on APs and IPs for imported food, specifically onions, meat and coconuts.

"Currently, MyCC is actively holding engagement sessions with government agencies and industry players. The findings are expected to be presented to MTEN by the end of this year," he said in his winding up speech for Budget 2025 in the Dewan Rakyat.

On another matter, he said, the amendments to the Competition Act 2010 and the Competition Commission Act 2010 would be tabled at the next parliamentary sitting after receiving the approval from the cabinet.

"Recognising the increasing complexity of cases, MyCC is actively strengthening competition law by amending the laws and introducing a merger-control regime.

"This aims to enable MyCC to combat cartel formation or regulate monopolies in the market, especially regarding the abuse of dominant monopoly power.

"The amendments to these Acts will be tabled at the Dewan Rakyat meeting, subject to cabinet approval," he said.

Meanwhile, on the proposed lemon law, Armizan said the policy decision at the ministerial level would be made soon.

"The ministry has been conducting a legal study on Lemon Law from June until this month, and soon we will make a policy decision at the ministry level.

"This will determine whether to improve the existing legal framework or to establish the need for drafting a new Act," he said.

He said while the lemon law study is ongoing, the ministry had taken proactive steps by implementing two interim strategies, including forming a special negotiation team to address complaints.

Armizan said the team would serve as a facilitator to bring buyers and distributors together to resolve any arising issues.

"From June to September, a total of 16 complaints were received and investigated by this team," he said.

The ministry was also enhancing the process of the Malaysian Consumer Claims Tribunal (TTPM) through a strategic collaboration with Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), which included addressing issues concerning the definitions within the Hire Purchase Act 1967.

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