Raids against two Ipoh-based companies on March 22 and 23, 2017, netted seizures of computers and suspected pirated software valued at more than RM64,000

Ipoh, Perak (Friday, March 24, 2017) - 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 Wednesday, March 22, 2017 and Thursday, March 23, 2017, 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 asked if Perak state was fast becoming a hotbed for corporate software piracy in light of the increase in the number of enforcement actions undertaken by the MDTCC in Perak against businesses found using suspected pirated software in their daily operations.

“This is unacceptable, as the MDTCC takes a very serious view of companies who take the easy road by stealing software. Not only is this unethical but also against the law. The MDTCC will not hesitate to take enforcement action against any business that operates in violation of the Copyright Act 1987, by using unlicensed software. If found guilty in a court of law, the company and its management may be fined 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.”

According to Suhaimi, the enforcement action conducted against the first company, an interior design firm in Canning Garden, was undertaken on Wednesday, March 22, 2017, and it resulted in the seizure of one computer and four copies of suspected pirated software. The second enforcement action was conducted on Thursday, March 23, 2017, against an engineering company in the industrial area of Silibin. In this instance, another computers with 2 copies of suspected pirated software were seized. Value of the seizures from both cases, comprising hardware and software, is estimated to be in the region of RM64,000.”

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

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

Sawney noted that the BSA together with their many members have, since 2015, initiated no less than 19 enforcement actions against Perak-based companies for operating their business using suspected pirated software. These raids have resulted in the seizure of computers and suspected pirated software valued at over RM1.5 million.

This unhealthy trend of substituting licensed software with pirated copies as cost savings, is potentially very dangerous.

“This is because cybercrime is on the rise. It transcends borders, and is very real. Business owners must be vigilant to protect themselves and their businesses from the fast-growing threats of malware and data theft by adopting effective and efficient software license management practices.”

“The BSA has been doing it part. With the full support of the MDTCC, the BSA has and continues to introduce programs to educate the public to the many risks associated with using pirated software. One such program is the free-to-the-public Software Watch by BSA. This unique program is aimed at corporate end-users and hopes to create further awareness and understanding about cybersecurity threats due to software mismanagement. As this program is soon ending, I strongly encourage business owners to visit www.mysoftwarewatch.org, or call the BSA program secretariat at 03-27803803, if they are interest to learn more about how to plan against a potential cyberattack,” 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 Program

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

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