KUCHING: Two computer dealers in Kuching were caught selling notebook computers installed with suspected pirated Microsoft operating system software to unsuspecting customers.
This was following a raid by Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism (KPDNKK) enforcement officers at two separate outlets in Wisma Saberkas and Wisma Satok on June 10.
KPDNKK Sarawak chief enforcement officer Abd Hafidz A Rahim told a press conference today that such raids – the first for this year, were necessary not just to protect the interest of consumers but also to expose unethical business practices.
“For these business owners, this will definitely be hard learned lesson for them as they and their companies will be charged under the Copyright Act 1987 which carries heavy fines and possible jail sentences if they are found guilty of any copyright infringements, in a court of law.
“All in all, the two enforcement actions in Kuching last week resulted in the seizure of 6 PCs and 9 copies of pirated software belonging to Microsoft, worth an estimated RM24,000,” said Abd Hafidz.
He also reaffirmed the government’s continued commitment to intellectual property rights protection and warned businesses especially those in Sarawak against flouting the law since the copyright laws in Malaysia are one of the strictest in the world.
He mentioned the government is working closely with Microsoft on this matter, especially to prevent Malaysia from falling into USTR Priority Watchlist which could affect foreign investment.
On another matter, he said KPDNKK Sarawak has been receiving threats via KPDNKK Facebook page following raids on outlets selling counterfeit items recently.
He said he would lodge a police report on this matter, and he would brief the media further on this issue soon.