Computers, pirated software worth RM741,300 seized

JOHOR BARU: Johor Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Ministry (KPDNKK) has seized 76 copies of pirated software and six computers estimated to be worth RM741,300 in two separate raids in Ulu Tiram, here, two days ago.

Johor KPDNKK chief enforcement officer Aris Mamat said the raids were carried out on May 22 and 23 following complaints from the Business Software Alliance (BSA) about software piracy conducted in two business premises in Ulu Tiram.

"All the raids conducted received an alert from BSA where we seized the pirated software brands Adobe, Autodesk and Microsoft which were all registered under BSA.

The ministry will continue its efforts to protect intellectual property from being misused by irresponsible parties under the Copyright Act 1987. The ministry will not compromise with any business premises engaged in piracy," he said in a statement here Wednesday.

According to him, any business premises, organisation or individual found in possession and using pirated software shall be punishable under Section 41 (1) (d) of the Copyright Act 1987, which carries a fine of up to RM20,000 for each pirated software in addition to five years jail or both if convicted.

"In a study conducted by the BSA in 2015, it was found there are still many users of pirated software in Malaysia where the installation rate of pirated software is 53 percent with a commercial value of US$456mil (RM1.9bil). - Bernama