JOHOR BARU:The Johor Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has disposed of more than RM2.1 million worth of counterfeit goods this year.
Its director Lilis Saslinda Pornomo said 152 investigation cases, with a total value of RM2,155,355, were resolved in 2024.
Today, counterfeit items valued at RM113,652 were crushed in a final disposal exercise. These goods were seized under various laws, including the Trade Descriptions Act 2011 and the Trademarks Act 2019.
The destruction, held at the Exhibit Storage Complex in Senai, saw authorities destroy 45,374 counterfeit items, including clothing, phone accessories, watches, handbags, food products, footwear, helmets, and raincoats. These items had been seized at supply chains, retail outlets, and wholesale operations.
Throughout the year, the ministry handled 1,287 cases of illicit distribution and sales, leading to total seizures valued at RM29,708,054. The ministry also collected RM1,333,227 in fines and compounds.
"Between January to December this year, 66 cases were linked to counterfeit goods under the Trademarks Act, with seizures worth RM320,435.60, involving 64 Malaysian suspects, while two cases involved foreigners," she said in a statement today.
She urged traders to comply with business laws and avoid selling or distributing counterfeit goods, which is a violation of intellectual property rights, and may also compromise the product's quality and pose health and safety risks.
She added as part of its enforcement initiatives, the ministry launched "Kita Gempur' campaign to tackle subsidised and controlled goods mismanagement.
The campaign encourages the public to report leaks and manipulation in business activities, via WhatsApp at 019-848 8000, the e-Aduan portal (e-aduan@kpdn.gov.my), their call centre at 1-800-886-800, or the Ez Adu mobile application.