KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today issued a strong warning against cartel practices that inflate prices and burden the public, saying such conduct is draining government funds and undermining efforts to improve essential services.
Speaking at the launch of a new block at Seberang Jaya Hospital in Perai, Penang, Anwar said cartel dominance in procurement and specific markets has led to unreasonable price increases across key sectors, including defence, healthcare and construction.
“Do not rely on cartels that oppress the people by raising prices excessively,” Bernama quoted Anwar, who is also the finance minister, as saying.
He said cartel-driven price hikes restrict the government’s ability to channel funds into development projects, including the construction of hospitals, clinics and other public facilities.
Anwar said the government is pressing ahead with governance reforms, including tighter transparency in procurement processes, to prevent wastage and misuse of public funds.
He also stressed the need to safeguard integrity in the defence sector, saying procurement must remain free from cartel influence to preserve the credibility of the security forces and ensure defence spending delivers maximum value to the nation.
The prime minister said the fight against cartels and waste must extend across all ministries and departments so that savings can be redirected to benefit the public through better facilities, assistance and improved well-being.
At the same time, Anwar cautioned against allowing isolated incidents to tarnish the reputation of the Malaysian Armed Forces or security agencies, highlighting the sacrifices of personnel stationed at borders, waters and remote areas.
“I do not want one or two isolated cases to damage the reputation of the entire Armed Forces. Our nation remains peaceful because of their sacrifices,” he said.
He added that maintaining the integrity and credibility of the security forces is essential to national stability and investor confidence in Malaysia’s economic outlook.– January 24, 2026