PUTRAJAYA: A total of 14 premises nationwide suspected of selling counterfeit mobile phone accessories have been raided by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.
The raids by the ministry's enforcement division were conducted in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Melaka, Negri Sembilan, Johor, Perak, Pahang, Kedah and Penang.
"Initial information received led us to suspect the premises were dealing in fake accessories under the guise of shops selling genuine products.
"The business owners were using the premises to sell fake accessories, with the same modus operandi used in all the shops raided," division director-general Datuk Azman Adam (pic) said in a statement on Tuesday (Oct 22).
He said the raids were the result of information provided by representatives of trademark holders, as well as intelligence gathering by ministry officers.
"It was found that 2,600 items, various types of mobile phone accessories, had illegal stamping under the Trademarks Act 2019," he added.
Azman said the accessories, worth RM65,000 in total, were seized for investigation purposes along with business documents.
He added that 13 investigation papers were opened under Section 102(1)(c) of the Act, which covers having registered trade stamps in one's possession, care, or control for unauthorised business purposes, or misuse.
If convicted, the establishment concerned could be fined up to RM15,000 per unit for misuse of a registered trade stamp and up to RM30,000 for a second offence.
For individuals, the fine is up to RM10,000 per unit and up to three years in jail; increasing to a maximum fine of RM20,000 and no more than five years' jail, or both, for a subsequent offence.
Azman said the companies involved would also be investigated under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds from Unlawful Activities Act 2001.
Those with information on illegal activities can inform the ministry through Whatsapp at 019-848000; its e-Aduan portal at http://eaduan.kpdn.gov.my; its call centre, 1-800-886-800; and its smartphone app Ez ADU KPDN.
