KUALA LUMPUR (June 28): A Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) task force is evaluating an investigation report over allegations of a cartel in the chicken industry.

In a statement on Tuesday (June 28), MyCC chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Hishamudin Md Yunus said the task force led by him with eight other members of the commission convened a special meeting on Monday for the tabling of the investigation report.

He said if there is evidence of a cartel, a proposed decision under Section 36 of the Competition Act 2010 will be issued against the relevant parties.

“In the event that there is no evidence to show elements of infringement, the commission will close the investigation in line with Section 16 of the Competition Act 2010,” he said.

Mohd Hishamudin said in the case of the former where a proposed decision is issued, the relevant parties will be given an opportunity to present their defence through written and/or oral representation to MyCC after the proposed decision is issued and served on the parties.

“Thereafter, MyCC will issue a final decision on whether there is a finding of infringement or non-infringement of the Competition Act 2010.

“The finding of an infringement will allow MyCC to impose a financial penalty of up to 10% of the parties’ worldwide turnover and/or other appropriate directives that MyCC see fit,'' he said.