Complaints made over products sold on ecommerce platforms and shops
PETALING JAYA: Fake engine oil worth RM1.1mil was seized in 33 raids from 2019 to May this year, says the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.
“Raids were conducted based on reports that also include complaints from officials representing the engine oil companies,” said the ministry’s director-general (enforcement), Datuk Azman Adam.
“The complaints were for products offered for sale on both ecommerce platforms and at physical premises,” he said in a statement to The Star.
He said action taken by the ministry came under the Trademarks Act 2019 where the complainants had performed their own verification before reporting fake products to the ministry.
“The 33 cases were conducted with cooperation from product trademark owners. Investigations are still ongoing for some of the cases,” he added.
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Azman said a majority of the complaints were from the Klang Valley.
“The location of inspections and raids is usually based on complaints, viral issues and counterfeit goods hotspots.
“We have also conducted raids on storage areas that are not located in public areas.
“The public may not be aware of this and assume that the ministry only focuses its raids and inspections on retail outlets or certain hotspots,” he added.
Azman said the ministry would continue to monitor the situation and work with the engine oil companies, which have their own investigation teams keeping an eye on the market.
The Star recently highlighted that fake engine parts and motor oil were flooding the market, especially on ecommerce platforms, prompting a warning from car experts for motorists to be extra cautious.
A check on ecommerce platforms revealed that some car engine oil, supposedly from well-known brands, were offered at much lower than usual prices.
Industry players warn that using fake engine oil could result in damage to their car engines in the long run.
Azman said those found guilty of importing, selling or in possession of such fake goods can face a RM10,000 fine per item, three years’ jail or both under Section 102 of the Trademarks Act 2019.
He said the penalty would increase to a fine not exceeding RM20,000 per product, a five-year jail term or both upon conviction for subsequent offences.
He also said the ministry would not hesitate to resort to sterner action against suspects by freezing their accounts under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds from Illegal Activities Act.
He advised consumers to be more cautious when purchasing engine oil and to stop supporting such fake products.
Those with information on the sale of fake engine oil can contact https://eaduan.kpdn.gov.my/, through its carelines at 1-800-886-800, 019 279 4317 or 019 848 8000, or the app Ez ADU KPDN.
