KULAI: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has disposed of confiscated goods valued at RM2.1mil so far this year.
Its Johor director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said the items were seized for offences under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011, Trademarks Act 2019, Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, Control of Supplies Act 1964, and Consumer Protection Act 1999.
“From January until today (Tuesday, Dec 17), we have disposed of RM2,155,355 worth of confiscated goods involving 152 completed investigations.
“The items are fake branded goods including clothing, phone accessories, watches, handbags, food products, footwear, helmets and raincoats.
“They were destroyed following orders from enforcement officers and court rulings,” she said when met at the Exhibit Disposal Programme at the Senai Exhibit Storage Complex here.
She added that the agency investigated 1,287 cases this year, with seized goods amounting to RM29,708,054, and the total collection from fines and compounds at RM1,333,227.
“We would like to urge traders across the state to comply with all business laws set by the ministry, particularly concerning the sale and distribution of counterfeit goods.
"Traders found guilty of breaching these regulations risk facing stern action.
“Consumers are also advised not to buy counterfeit products, as these items are often of inferior quality.
"Supporting genuine products helps protect intellectual property and trademark owners,” Lilis Saslinda added.