Kuala lumpur: The Dewan Rakyat has passed the Countervailing and Anti-Dumping Duties (Amendment) Bill 2025, which outlined protections for the local industry to address unfair trade practices by foreign manufacturers or exporters. Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong emphasized the Bill’s objective to ensure fair trade amidst challenges such as tariffs and concerns over the World Trade Organisation’s multilateral system.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Liew highlighted that the Bill aims to safeguard local manufacturers who own factories or conduct value-added activities in the country. He clarified that the amended act does not apply to traders or wholesalers who solely import and sell products from countries like China or Japan. The act intends to shield local manufacturers from unfair price competition by foreign producers or exporters.
Liew explained that dumping occurs when a product is sold at a lower price in Malaysia than in the exporter’s country of origin, such as China, Japan, Thailand, or Vietnam. He noted that the amendment provides a legal framework to investigate and take action against dumped or subsidized imports that harm the local industry. The amendments were passed via a majority voice vote after debate by 10 members of Parliament.
The Deputy Minister also stated that the government is committed to investigating and resolving cases within nine months, a significant reduction from the previous timeline of 18 months. This aligns with global standards to address the challenges faced by local industries due to unfair trade practices. Liew noted that the amendment reflects the need to update and improve the existing law, Act 504, to align with current international trade dynamics.
Between 1995 and 2010, Malaysia initiated 43 anti-dumping actions against foreign exporters, a number that increased to 67 actions from 2011 to 2024. The 2025 amendment is part of the government’s broader strategy to enhance legal protections for local industries against detrimental trade practices.