MALAYSIA and Hong Kong are stepping up cooperation to tackle competition issues that cross national borders, with their respective competition authorities signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen enforcement, information sharing and technical expertise.
The agreement between the Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) and Hong Kong Competition Commission (HKCC) is aimed at ensuring authorities can respond more effectively to increasingly interconnected markets and business activities spanning multiple jurisdictions.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister (KPDN) Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the agreement demonstrated the Government’s commitment to building stronger international partnerships to safeguard fair and healthy competition.
"Cooperation between competition authorities in various countries is crucial to ensure that market developments and enforcement challenges can be addressed more effectively," he said.
The MoU marks MyCC’s fourth international cooperation agreement with a foreign competition authority, following partnerships with the Türkiye Competition Authority, Korea Fair Trade Commission and Philippine Competition Commission.
Under the agreement, MyCC and HKCC will exchange information on major developments in competition law, including legislative amendments, investigative experiences and cooperation with other enforcement agencies.
The two authorities will also collaborate on technical capacity-building through training programmes, workshops, temporary staff placements and joint research initiatives.
The agreement provides for further cooperation in identifying and addressing cross-border competition issues, including enforcement matters that may require bilateral action or coordination with other international competition authorities.
The MoU was signed by MyCC chief executive officer Datuk Haji Iskandar Ismail and HKCC chief executive officer Rasul Butt.
The signing was witnessed by MyCC chairman Tan Sri Datuk Sri Idrus Harun, Hong Kong Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau, and representatives of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Kuala Lumpur.
KPDN said MyCC would continue expanding its network of regional and international partnerships to strengthen enforcement capabilities and institutional capacity.
The ministry said the cooperation would help maintain a dynamic and competitive business environment while protecting consumers and supporting Malaysia’s wider economic interests. - August 13, 2026
