Mandatory Merger Notification On The Cards

Merger notifications in Malaysia are still nascent and limited to the aviation services sector regulated by the Malaysian Aviation Commission ("MAVCOM") and communications and multimedia sector regulated by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission ("MCMC").

In fact, the country witnessed the first-ever competition-related merger decision in September 2021 via MAVCOM's approval of Korean Air Lines Co, Ltd. and Asiana Airlines, Inc.'s merger and the market is now awaiting the decision of the MCMC on the proposed merger of the telco operation of Celcom Axiata Berhad and Digi.Com Berhad. Nevertheless, the incorporation of a merger control regime in the Competition Act 2010 ("CA 2010") is on the horizon and expected to be completed by this year.