The companies and their directors face fines and possible jail terms, if found guilty in a court of law, for using pirated software in conducting their business.

Kluang, Johor (Monday, February 27, 2017) – Enforcement Officers from the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism (“MDTCC”) Kluang Branch Office raided two businesses in Kluang last week for using suspected unlicensed or pirated software in their daily business operations.

In a media conference held to announce the successfully conducted raids, MDTCC Kluang Branch Head, Abdul Wahid bin Ahmad said, “The raids conducted were undertaken consecutively on February 22 & 23, 2017, and resulted in the seizure of 3 computers, and 8 copies of suspected pirated software, worth an estimated (hardware and software) RM217,000 belonging to Adobe, Autodesk, and Dassault Systèmes , all members of BSA | The Software Alliance (“BSA”).”

Specific details of the two raids conducted, are as follows:

Date of Raid

22/2/17

23/2/17

Grand Total

Industry

Engineering

Interior Design

Location

Kawasan Perindustrian Kluang

Kluang

PCs Seized

2

1

3 PCs

PCs Value (RM)

6,000

3,000

9,000

Software Seized

5

3

8

SW Value (RM)

160,000

38,000

198,000

Total Value (RM)

166,000

41,000

207,000

Abdul Wahid continued, “Both raids were initiated upon receiving tip-offs from BSA |The Software Alliance (“BSA”) on the alleged use of pirated software in the said organizations, and also demonstrated the MDTCC’s continued commitment to ensure intellectual property rights of copyright owners are protected under the Copyright Act of 1987.”

He adds, “The Ministry takes a very serious view against companies conducting their business operations using unlicensed or pirated software. This unethical practise is a clear violation of the Copyright Act which stipulates that if a business is found to have used or is in possession of illegal copies of software, the organization, as well as its senior management, may face criminal prosecution. If convicted, the responsible individuals and/or organization will face a fine of between RM2,000 to RM20,000 for each infringing copy, a prison sentence of up to five years, or both.”

“Admittedly, while such kinds of enforcement actions are not a daily occurrence here in Johor, it is certainly not something Johorians’ can be proud of. As the agency responsible for the protection of intellectual property rights in Johor, we will intensify our efforts to curb this unhealthy trend. Let the raids conducted last week serve as a reminder to businesses that they are constantly under watch,” Abdul Wahid concluded.

In a statement to media, BSA’s Senior Director, Asia Pacific, Tarun Sawney said, “Cybercrime is real and on the rise, transcending borders. Business owners must be vigilant to protect themselves and their businesses from the growing threats of malware and data theft through an effective and efficient software license management practice.”

“Over the years, BSA had initiated many education and awareness building programs aimed at educating and assisting companies to address their software licensing and management issues. With the support of the Ministry, BSA continues to educate the public via our free-to-the-public educational program – Software Watch by BSA – to create further awareness and understanding amongst corporate end-users of cybersecurity threats due to software mismanagement.”

“For more information, assistance and/or participation in this free-of-charge program, BSA encourages business owners to visit www.mysoftwarewatch.org, or call the BSA program secretariat at 03-27803803,” Sawney concluded.

About BSA | The Software Alliance

BSA | The Software Alliance (www.bsa.org) is the leading advocate for the global software industry before governments and in the international marketplace. Its members are among the world’s most innovative companies, creating software solutions that spark the economy and improve modern life. With headquarters in Washington, DC, and operations in more than 60 countries, BSA pioneers compliance programs that promote legal software use and advocates for public policies that foster technology innovation and drive growth in the digital economy.

About the BSA Anti-piracy Hotline

In complementing the enforcement efforts of the MDTCC against software piracy, BSA accepts reports on the use of pirated or unlicensed software in organizations at www.bsa.org and/or www.facebook.com/bsamalaysiagenuine. Reports can also be made through the BSA toll-free hotline at 1-800-887-800. All information provided to the BSA are treated in the strictest of confidence. A reward of up to RM20,000* is provided for any information resulting in a successful enforcement action.

* Terms and Conditions Apply

Media Contact

Name: Ching Yee SingMobile: 012 340 1816E-mail: chingyeesing@wysecomm.com