KUALA LUMPUR: On Thursday (Oct 30), Domestic Trade and Cost of Living enforcers uncovered a syndicate's counterfeit goods stores in small locked rooms on the second floor of a building in Petaling Street, Sinar Harian reports.
The Malay language daily reported that this was discovered during a 2pm Ops Putra 7.0 raid, conducted in collaboration with trademark owners.
Sinar Harian's investigation found that one premises on the second floor had been modified into seven small storage rooms, along with several shops at the back used to store these counterfeit items.
However, the premises, believed to be "guarded" by foreign workers, were abandoned as they fled upon realising the authorities' presence.
Kuala Lumpur Domestic Trade and Cost of Living director Mohd Sabri Seman told Sinar Harian that a two-week investigation led to the search of four storage areas, resulting in the seizure of approximately 5,000 counterfeit items estimated to be worth RM700,000.
He said that the items included shoes, handbags, wallets, slippers, and clothes.
"The detected modus operandi was that the syndicate would rent the premises (for storage) and frequently relocate. Each small room is believed to be owned by different individuals.
"The counterfeit items are suspected to be sold physically or online, with prices ranging from RM80 to RM1,500 depending on the type and grade of the item. A handbag with AAA grade was detected being sold for RM1,500," he told Sinar Harian at the raid location on Thursday.
He added that the ministry is investigating the owners and rental rates of the premises for further action under the Trademark Act 2019.
He also noted that these items of various grades are suspected to have been imported.
Mohd Sabri emphasised that the ministry is conducting continuous efforts, and Malaysia has been removed from the United States Trade Representative (USTR) report concerning the sale of counterfeit goods.
"This is to protect consumer rights, as some tourists are deceived by high-grade counterfeit goods sold at premium prices. Traders are urged not to sell or distribute counterfeit goods.
"The ministry remains firm and proactive. Consumers are also reminded not to support counterfeit goods as they negatively impact the domestic business industry," he said.
Since the launch of Ops Putra in 2023, 54 cases have been executed, with seizures of over 31,000 units worth RM3.38mil and nine arrests.
