KUCHING, Aug 13: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) has successfully thwarted the sale of suspected counterfeit thermometers sold through online transactions through two separate operations.
The operations were carried out at a residential house in Klang, Selangor on Aug 5 and in a warehouse in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur on Aug 11.
The Ministry in a statement today informed that both operations were carried out as a result of information and complaints received from the representative of the registered trademark owner, who found that there were traders selling suspected counterfeit thermometers at online marketplace sites.
“As a result of the raid and inspection, the KPDNHEP enforcement team together with the complainant found 166 well-known brand thermometers suspected to be counterfeits at a residential premises in Klang, Selangor and 66 units in a warehouse in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur.
“All the items were seized and the testimonies of two local men who claimed to be the owners of the premises were taken. The total value of the goods is estimated to be worth RM25,720,” it said.
The Ministry added that the modus operandi of the trader was to advertise thermometers using popular brands in the market at a cheaper price than the current market to attract buyers.
The case is being investigated under Section 102(1)(c) of the Trademarks Act 2019 which is to have in its control for the purpose of trading goods that a registered trademark is wrongfully worn.
If convicted, a person may be fined not more than RM10,000 for each item or imprisoned not more than 3 years or both while a body corporate may be fined not more than RM15,000 for each item improperly worn with a registered trademark. — DayakDaily
