JOHOR BARU: More than RM135,000 worth of imitation football jerseys have been seized by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry in a crackdown on counterfeit merchandise.
Its Johor director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said 2,669 counterfeit jerseys displaying the logos and designs of various countries were seized from three premises in Johor Baru and Kota Tinggi on Thursday (July 16).
“The raids followed intelligence gathering and public complaints over the sale of counterfeit goods, with enforcement officers targeting premises believed to be capitalising on the ongoing World Cup season.
“During our inspection, we found the businesses in possession of goods bearing falsely applied trademarks for trade purposes,” she said in a statement on Friday (July 17).
Lilis Saslinda said the seized jerseys also bore the trademarks of several well-known brands.
She added that three men, believed to be the owners and caretakers of the premises, have been detained to assist investigations under Section 102(1)(c) of the Trademarks Act 2019.
Upon conviction, an individual may be fined up to RM10,000 for each counterfeit item, jailed for up to three years, or both, for a first offence. Repeat offenders face fines of up to RM20,000 for each counterfeit item, imprisonment of up to five years, or both.
For companies or corporate bodies, the maximum fine is RM15,000 for each counterfeit item for a first offence and up to RM30,000 for each counterfeit item for subsequent offences.
Lilis Saslinda said the ministry would continue to intensify enforcement operations and would not compromise with anyone involved in the sale or distribution of counterfeit goods that infringe intellectual property rights, harm registered trademark owners and mislead consumers.
The public can channel complaints to the ministry via WhatsApp at 019-848 8000, email to e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my, call centre at 1-800-886-800 or through the Ez ADU KPDN smartphone app.
