Raids conducted consecutively on November 22 & 23, 2016 nets more than RM219,000 in computers and suspected pirated software.

Ipoh, Perak (November 25, 2016) - Enforcement Officers from the Enforcement Division of the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism (MDTCC) Ipoh Branch Office successfully raided the premises of two Ipoh-based companies on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 and Wednesday, November 23, 2016, consecutively, for using suspected pirated software in the course of conducting their business, and were the result of close cooperation between BSA | The Software Alliance (BSA) and the MDTCC in fighting software piracy in the country.

Speaking at a news conference held at the MDTCC Ipoh (Perak) Branch Office, Chief Enforcement Officer for Perak State, Suhaimi Mat Sari said that enforcement actions conducted against the two Ipoh-based companies were part of an on-going enforcement effort by the MDTCC to address the rampant use of pirated and unlicensed software amongst businesses in the country.

According to Suhaimi, “The enforcement action conducted against the first company, specializing in electrical and mechanical contract works, located in Bandar Baru Medan Ipoh, on Tuesday, November 22, 2016, resulted in the seizure of 3 computers along with 4 copies of suspected pirated software. In regards to the enforcement action conducted on Wednesday, November 23, 2016, against an interior design firm in Taman Canning, a total of 5 computers and 11 copies of suspected pirated software were seized. Value of the seizures from these two raids, comprising both hardware and software, amounted to approximately RM219,000.”

Amongst the suspected pirated software found were those belonging to Adobe, Autodesk, and Microsoft, all members of BSA.

Suhaimi added, “The MDTCC takes a very serious view of companies who choose to break the law when it comes to software piracy. We will not hesitate to take enforcement action against any business that is operating in violation of the Copyright Act 1987, which stipulates that only licensed and legal software can be used in a business environment. Violation of the law would mean that the company and its management are liable to be fined anywhere between RM2,000 and RM20,000 for each illegal copy of software. Additionally, company directors and/or senior management may also be imprisoned for up to five years.”

Speaking on behalf of BSA, Tarun Sawney, Senior Director, Asia-Pacific, congratulated Suhaimi and his officers for their quick and decisive actions which resulted in significant seizure of computers and software from the two raids conducted.

Sawney adds that the Global Software Survey conducted by IDC and released by BSA, noted that computers users in Malaysia continue to use unlicensed software at an alarming rate, despite the risks of cyberattacks associated with its use.

“The survey entitled, “Seizing Opportunity Through License Compliance,” noted that in Malaysia, the rate of unlicensed software use in 2015 was 53 per cent. This was despite the fact that there was a strong correlation between the use of unlicensed software and exposing one’s computer to malware.”

“Cybercrime is real, on the rise, and transcends borders. Business owners must be vigilant to protect themselves and their businesses from the growing threats of malware and data theft by adopting an effective and efficient software license management practice. This year, the BSA, with the support of the MDTCC, is running a corporate educational program – Software Watch by BSA - to create further awareness and understanding of software asset management”.

“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 and Reward Programme

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. BSA provides a reward of up to RM20,000* for any information that results in a successful enforcement action.* Terms and Conditions Apply

Media Contact

Ching Yee Sing(m): 012 340 1816(e): chingyeesing@wysecomm.com