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20 September 2025
The Competition Commission of Brunei Darussalam (CCBD), through its Executive Secretariat, conducted an advocacy session titled “Competition Act: Deterring Bid-Rigging in Public Procurement” for officials of the Ministry of Health on 17 September 2025.
The session was attended by Yang Mulia Dr Hajah Rafidah binti Gharif, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Professional) as Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health, together with relevant officials from the Ministry.
During the session, officers from the Executive Secretariat of CCBD outlined the prohibition against bid-rigging under Section 11 of the Competition Act, which has been in force since January 2020. Bid-rigging, which is a form of cartel conduct, undermines fair competition in procurement processes by distorting outcomes and inflating costs, ultimately affecting the Government’s ability to achieve value for money in public spending.
Participants were introduced to the key features of bid-rigging arrangements, including cover bidding, bid suppression, bid rotation, and subcontracting. Case studies from the region were also shared to demonstrate the serious impact of such conduct and the importance of vigilance in detecting and preventing collusion in procurement exercises.
The Executive Secretariat of CCBD emphasised the critical role of government officers, particularly those involved in procurement, in safeguarding processes against collusion. By raising awareness of the Competition Act, the session aimed to equip procurement officials with the knowledge to identify potential risks and encourage practices that promote fair competition, transparency, and accountability in public procurement.
This initiative forms part of CCBD’s continuous efforts to advocate the benefits of competition and foster a culture of compliance in Brunei Darussalam, in support of Wawasan Brunei’s 2035 goal of building a dynamic and sustainable economy.
For more information on the Competition Act, the public and business community may visit the CCBD website at www.ccbd.gov.bn. The CCBD can also be reached through its Executive Secretariat, at +673 2383100 or via email at exec.secretariat@ccbd.gov.bn for further enquiries.
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Competition Commission of Brunei Darussalam Executive Secretariat
Ministry of Finance and Economy
