Fake 'Arai' helmets worth over RM70,000 seized in Penang raid

BUTTERWORTH: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has seized fake branded helmets amounting to RM70,240 here.

A total of 268 fake “Arai” helmets were seized in the raid conducted at a premises in Bukit Mertajam on Tuesday (March 19).

The raid was carried out in collaboration with representatives of the respective copyright owners, which led to the discovery of the helmets.

Its Penang director S Jegan, said an examination conducted on the motorcycle helmets revealed that they were branded 'TSR' but contained Arai artistic trademarks for various models such as Nakano Shukiken Silver, Black Samurai, and Oriental Blue.

"This action was found to be a violation of the Copyright Act 1987.

"Therefore, the items were seized for further action," he said in a statement.

He then warned individuals and parties concerned to always comply with the copyright laws.

"Any person committing this offence may be liable under the Copyright Act 1987.

"If found guilty, they may be fined not less than RM2,000 and not more than RM20,000 for each infringing copy, or imprisoned for a term not exceeding five years or both.

"Whereas for any subsequent offence, they may be fined not less than RM4,000 and not more than RM40,000 for each infringing copy, or imprisoned for a term not exceeding ten years or both," he said.

He said that the public is urged to be vigilant and report to the authorities regarding activities involving unauthorised copies by the copyright owner.

Arai Helmets, was founded by Hirotake Arai, a motorcycle enthusiast. He made a helmet for his own use in the early 1950s, which was the first motorcycle helmet made in Japan. The helmets uses a single-piece inner shell, but is made up of multiple densities for structural integrity.