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Piracy is spread far and wide in Malaysia
Image via Panda Security
In fact, the local entertainment and media industry is losing an estimated RM3 billion annually due to digital piracy, as reported by The Edge Markets.
This is probably one of the reasons why Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) are taking strict measures to combat piracy.
KPDNHEP recently warned all traders against selling streaming technology devices that contain copyright works without physical or digital permission
Image via ZDNET
According to Bernama, KPDNHEP Enforcement director, Azman Adam, said that convicted offenders can be fined up to RM200,000 or face up to 20 years of jail, or both.
Additionally, Azman said that KPDNHEP will act under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001
Image via Astro Awani
Essentially, this act permits all accounts under the offenders or suspects attached to the crime to be frozen and forfeited should they be found guilty.
From 2018 until September 2022, KPDNHEP has successfully closed 531 cases of physical distribution of pirated content, which amounts to an estimated value of RM5.4 million, Azman reports.