IPOH: Some RM34,410 worth of counterfeit pants and bags have been seized by the Perak Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry.
The ministry's state director Saifullizan Kamarul Zaman said they seized 1,147 of the items during a raid at a terrace house in Taman Cempaka here on May 19 at about 11am.
Saifullizan said they arrested a man in his 50s, who admitted to being the owner of the premises, which was used to store and package the goods.
"The man was briefly detained to facilitate investigations and was given police bail after his statement has been recorded," he said in a statement on Friday (May 20).
Saifullizan said the matter would be investigated under Section 102 (1)(c) of the Trademark Act for having in possession and trading goods in which a registered trademark was misused.
"Apart from protecting the rights of consumers, the ministry is also serious when it comes to protecting the rights of trademark owners through monitoring and investigations on premises that sell branded goods to combat the sales of counterfeit goods, which can further increase the confidence of foreign investors, especially in Perak.
"We also like to stress to traders not to sell counterfeit goods, as stern actions can be taken against them," he said.
Individuals found guilty can be fined not more than RM10,000 for each item or jailed for up to three years or both.
For companies, they can be fined up to RM15,000 for each item.
For complaints or inquiries from consumers, these can be made through 05-241 4611, or WhatsApp to 019-279 4317 or 019-848 8000 or the call centre at 1-800-866-800.
Complaints can also be sent to e-aduan.kpdnhep.gov.my or through the Ez Adu KPDNHEP mobile app.
