KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 28): The Malaysia Competition Commission is investigating 510 firms over suspected bid-rigging in tenders worth more than RM3 billion across the public and private sectors.

Evidence found include coordination in preparation of tender documents, exchange of information such as proposed bid prices, and the sharing of financial and human resources, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday.

The companies had been given an opportunity to submit representations to the commission before a final decision, he said.

The commission has issued a proposed decision on Oct 13 against 16 companies over alleged collusion in 30 food-supply tenders worth RM108.3 million involving 12 public sector entities, including ministries, public universities and Islamic religious departments.

The tenders covered food supplies, including cooked meals for schools and public universities.

Including the latest proposed decision, the commission has taken action against 58 companies in bid-rigging cases, with total penalties amounting to RM98.49 million, Armizan added. 

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