PUTRAJAYA: The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry conducted raids on four premises suspected of selling counterfeit vehicle windscreens on May 9.
Its enforcement director-general Datuk Azman Adam said the operations, led by a team of its enforcement officers from Putrajaya, Selangor, and Kuala Lumpur, were initiated based on complaints and preliminary investigations.
"During the inspections, 153 counterfeit windscreens, suspected to have been affixed with false trademarks, were seized, along with relevant business documents, totalling an estimated value of RM140,200," he said in a statement today.
Additionally, two local individuals, aged 20 and 31, were detained to aid in the investigation for suspected offences under the Trade Marks Act 2019.
Under Act 815, if found guilty, fines of up to RM15,000 for each item affixed with false trademarks may be imposed for corporate bodies, with higher penalties for subsequent offences.
For individuals, fines of up to RM10,000 or imprisonment for up to three years, or both, may apply, with increased penalties for repeat offences.
Furthermore, the company will be investigated under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 for money laundering offences related to trademark infringement.
Convictions under this act may result in imprisonment for up to 15 years and fines up to five times the proceeds of the unlawful activity or RM5 million, whichever is higher.
Azman also issued a stern warning against engaging in the sale of unauthorised goods, especially vehicle spare parts, emphasising the potential threat to consumer safety.
"Consumers are urged to exercise caution and refrain from supporting counterfeit goods sales activities, as they pose risks and may lead to financial losses," he said.
Individuals with information regarding the sale of counterfeit goods can report it to the ministry through various channels, including WhatsApp, the KPDN e-Complaint Portal, the Call Centre, and the Ez ADU KPDN Smartphone Application.