JOHOR BARU: The Johor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has disposed of confiscated fake goods valued at RM2.2mil so far this year.
Its 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 yesterday (Dec 17), we disposed of RM2,155,355 worth of confiscated goods involving 152 completed investigations.
“The items were 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,” Lilis Saslinda said at the Exhibit Disposal Programme at the Senai Exhibit Storage Complex here yesterday.
She added that the ministry investigated 1,287 cases this year, with seized goods amounting to RM29,708,054, and the total collection of fines was RM1,333,227.
Meanwhile, Lilis Saslinda urged the public to lodge a report with the ministry on cases of manipulation and misappropriation, as well as fraud in online sales.
She said the department is committed to helping consumers uphold their rights.
“With rapid technological advancements, more consumers are opting for online transactions.
“At the same time, we urge consumers to uphold their rights. If they encounter cases involving fraud or integrity issues, they must immediately lodge complaints with the ministry so we can take swift action.
“Don’t just leave a bad review or one star in the comments section; lodge a formal complaint so that we can take the appropriate action,” Lilis Saslinda said.
She said from January until yesterday, the state branch of the ministry had received 10,003 complaints involving online sales, particularly in cases where consumers receive products that do not match what was advertised.
“Action will be taken after appointing investigating officers and conducting surveillance.
“Typically, if the case involves counterfeit goods, trademark owners will carry out tests to confirm the authenticity of the goods before further action is taken,” she said, adding that consumers are protected under the Consumer Protection Act 1999.
She said consumers can also lodge complaints with the Consumer Claims Tribunal, provided the goods are not for resale or commercial use, and the total claim does not exceed RM50,000.
“Complaints lodged will ensure online traders take the appropriate action and refrain from repeating the same mistakes,” she said.
The ministry has also set up numerous complaint channels, including a WhatsApp line at 019-848 8000, the e-aduan portal at http://eaduan.kpdn.gov.my, the call centre at 1-800-886-800, and the Ez ADU KPDN application.
