JOHOR BARU: The Johor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) has seized Chinese prayer lamps worth over RM56,700 due to suspected copyright infringement.
Its director, Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said the operation was carried out around Batu Pahat and Johor Baru on Friday (Feb 13).
“We raided three different locations such as a storage warehouse and a business premise in Batu Pahat and a business premises in Johor Baru that sells Chinese prayer paraphernalia.
“The raids were conducted following about a month of intelligence gathering and surveillance on the warehouse and both business premises by our enforcement officers, in collaboration with the copyright owner,” she said in a statement on Saturday (Feb 14).
She said the items were believed to have infringed the registration and copyright-protected artistic works for sale.
“Following further inspection and preliminary verification by the copyright owner, 818 units of prayer lamps were seized with an estimated total value of RM56,791.86,” she said, adding that the case is investigated under the Copyright Act 1987 for suspected copyright infringement.
When asked whether both business premises had sourced their stock from the same warehouse, Lilis Saslinda said the matter is still under investigation.
“We take any form of intellectual property violation seriously as it not only affects the legitimate rights of owners but also impacts market integrity and consumer confidence.
“We will continue to intensify enforcement operations and work closely with copyright owners and relevant agencies to curb the sale of goods that infringe intellectual property rights,” she added.
She said members of the public with information regarding the sale of counterfeit goods or copyright infringement are encouraged to submit complaints.
“Complaints can be lodged through WhatsApp at 019–848 8000, the KPDN e-Aduan portal at e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my, the call centre at 1–800–886-800, or via the Ez ADU KPDN smartphone application,” she said.
