KUCHING, Oct 21: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) has thwarted 531 cases of physical distribution of pirated content with an estimated confiscation value of RM5.4 million from 2018 until September 2022.
The Ministry has also successfully blocked 2,252 websites that contain illegal copyright works and taken down 2,391 pirated content.
KPDNHEP enforcement director Azman Adam said the Ministry carried out inspections and operations on individuals or traders who take advantage of and are still stubborn in selling or buying pirated and counterfeit goods throughout the country, especially the sale of streaming technology devices that contain copyright works without physical and digital permission.
To curb illegal content piracy, the Ministry is working together with other enforcement agencies such as the local councils, police, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and industry players.
For digital piracy, Azman said the effective virtual enforcement measures include website blocking and content removal.
“These actions are the fastest and most effective methods in thwarting the spread of digital piracy with the cooperation of the MCMC through the enforcement of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1988 (Act 588) and the industry or copyright owners.
“Malaysia is also often used as an example to other countries on the effectiveness of implementing website blocking and content removal in disabling access to digital piracy,” he said in a statement today.
The Ministry has also combated digital content piracy by blocking illegal websites through the Cyber Copyright Enforcement (CYCORE) programme.
“From 2021 until now, 27 films have participated in this programme with 319 websites blocked and 1,902 content taken down,” he added.
Under Section 43AA of the Copyright Act 1987, any individual involved in selling streaming devices containing pirated content is punishable by a fine not less than RM10,000 and not more than RM200,000 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 20 years or both.
Members of the public are advised to channel information to the ministry by reporting any piracy activities through the hotline 1-800-886-800 at the Enforcement Command Centre, WhatsApp at 019-2794317 or 019-8488000, complaints portal at e-aduan.kpdnhep.gov.my or email at e-aduan@kpdnhep.gov.my. — DayakDaily
