The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) teamed up with several enforcement agencies to raid and seize a total of 6,500 counterfeit goods worth 360,000 ringgit from 20 shops on Petaling Street.
During a press briefing on Thursday (20th), Kuala Lumpur Domestic Trade Department Deputy Director Nurul Sarina stated that at 3:30 PM that day, they, in collaboration with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), the Immigration Department, and the police, conducted the Operation Putra (Op Putra) raid.
She mentioned that the seized counterfeit goods included handbags, belts, wallets, slippers, shoes, watches, and hats, priced between 50 to 450 ringgit.
“Since 2023, Petaling Street has been re-listed by the United States Trade Representative Report as one of the major marketplaces for counterfeit goods globally.”
“In light of this, Malaysia is prompted to take immediate action to delist Petaling Street, as it could impact national investment, especially concerning global trademarks.”
Nurul Sarina cited records indicating that the traders might be operating within the same network and are suspected to be managed by foreigners, with locals as shop owners.
She stated that investigations suggest these items are believed to be imported from abroad and stored in designated locations before being distributed to traders for sale.
“This raid operation was conducted under the Trademark Act 2019. Once convicted, the company faces a fine of up to 15,000 ringgit per counterfeit item, while individuals can be fined 10,000 ringgit per item.”
Moreover, they are also invoking the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing, and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA) to investigate and identify the group involved in the case.
She noted that since Operation Putra began in 2023, they have recorded 107 cases under the Trademark Act 2019, Goods Description Act 2011, and Copyright Act 1987, seizing items valued at 1.8 million ringgit.