RM259,000 worth of computers and suspected unlicensed software seized. Businesses reminded of cybersecurity risks that come with the use of pirated software, in addition to legal risks.

Penang, Wednesday, May 13, 2015–

Mohamad Amir bin Hj. Abdullah, Deputy Chief Enforcement Officer II of the Ministry Of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism (“MDTCC”) Penang Branch office, today announced the results of a raid conducted on a local company for the use of suspected pirated software, and has promised more enforcement actions against businesses who continue to use unlicensed software in their business operations.

Speaking to journalists at a media conference held at the MDTCC Penang Branch Office this morning, Mohamad Amir said, “An engineering company based in Pusat Perniagaan Alam, Bukit Mertajam, was raided by a team of five enforcement officers from the MDTCC Penang Branch Office yesterday, May 12, 2015, for using suspected unlicensed software in their business operations. Enforcement officers subsequently seizing 3 computers and 12 copies of suspected pirated software, with a combined (hardware and software) value of about RM259,000 for further investigations.”

Amongst the many suspected pirated software found were software belonging to Autodesk, CNC/Mastercam, and Dassault Systèmes, all members of BSA | The Software Alliance (“BSA”).

Mohamad Amir lamented, “I do not understand why these companies would choose to risk everything by using pirated software to run their business. The management of these companies have a duty to ensure that all software used in their business operation is licensed and legal. All businesses must conduct regular software audits to ensure that they are in full compliance with the Copyright Act of 1987. If convicted in a court of law, the company and its management would face a fine of between RM2,000 to RM20,000 for each infringing copy of pirated software, and/or a prison sentence of up to five years.”

Speaking on behalf of BSA, Senior Director – Compliance Programs, Asia-Pacific, Roland Chan thanked Mohamad Amir and his officers for their quick and decisive action which resulted in the haul of computers and pirated software.

Chan said, “An IDC research study released earlier this year had shown a high correlation between rates of unlicensed software installations and malware infections. The use of unlicensed software exposes businesses and consumers to significant security risks, besides the legal risks on being caught by the authorities.”

“Ironically, while computer users continue to cite the risk of security threats from malware as the top reason for avoiding pirated software, a striking 54 percent of the software installed on personal computers in Malaysia in 2013, valued at RM2 billion (USD616 million), was unlicensed according to the BSA Global Software Survey conducted by IDC and released in 2014. While IT managers expressed understandable concern that pirated software may cause harm, less than half said they were confident that their company’s software was properly licensed.”

“For years, many organizations have gotten by with the use of unlicensed software and weak software asset management practices. Part of the reason for this has been a mind-set amongst business leaders who place priority on short term profitability over long term sustainability. With productivity and cybersecurity under threat, together with legal and reputational risks at stake, the time for change has come. In time, enterprises that do not change their ways, will fail,” warned Chan.

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 around the world, 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 Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism against software piracy, the BSA operates a toll-free anti-piracy hotline number 1-800-887-800 for reports on the use of pirated or unlicensed software in organizations. Reports can also be made online at www.bsa.org/malaysia. The 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