In a statement, Chairman Tan Sri Siti Norma Yaakob said the warning followed the Federation of Malaysian School Bus Operators secretary general, Md Saad Mohamad’s announcement regarding its new fare structure, which appears to be in contravention of the Competition Act 2010.
Section 4 of the Act prohibits enterprises, including associations, from fixing, directly or indirectly a purchase or selling price or any other trading conditions for goods and services.
The Land Transport Commission (SPAD) recently announced that school bus fares would be de-regulated from January, allowing school bus operators to impose fees at a non-fixed rate.
“While price increases are not anti-competitive in nature, if it is a result of collusion through price fixing agreements by any associations or any groups of sellers, suppliers or manufacturers, such cartel-like activity is a serious contravention of the Act,” Siti Norma said.
If an enterprise is found guilty of infringing the Act, the MyCC may impose a financial penalty or any other direction that it considers appropriate to ensure future compliance.
Members of the public who have information concerning the conduct of associations and business enterprises who are or have engaged in price fixing activities, should contact the MyCC at 03-22732277 or via email at complaints@mycc.gov.my.
— BERNAMA
