KUALA LUMPUR (April 15): The Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC), under the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, has issued a proposed decision against 22 companies for allegedly fixing prices for child care services in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

This may be a violation of Section 4 of the Competition Act 2010.

In a statement today, MyCC said it had found that these companies discussed and agreed to raise childcare fees during a meeting.

This agreement was later shared with other childcare providers through a circular.

MyCC believes this action was meant to limit fair competition in the child care market in those areas.

It qualified, however, that this is still a provisional finding, and it's not confirmed that the companies have broken the law.

The companies involved have been informed of the possible penalties and given 30 days to submit written responses. They can also present their views in person at a later date. MyCC will make its final decision after reviewing all the responses and evidence.

MyCC was set up in June 2011 as an independent body to enforce the Competition Act 2010. The goal of the Act is to promote fair competition, which helps boost productivity and innovation, giving consumers more choices, better quality, and fair prices.

The Act covers all business activities in Malaysia — and even those outside the country if they affect competition in the Malaysian market. MyCC has the power to investigate, make decisions, and punish those who break the competition laws.