Seizure of 10 computers along with 49 copies of suspected unlicensed software, valued at RM400,000 is largest year-to-date in Perak state.

Manjung, Perak (Wednesday, December 13 2017) – Enforcement Officers from the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism (“MDTCC”) Manjung Branch Office raided the premises of an engineering company in Sri Manjung, Perak, last week for using suspected unlicensed or pirated software in their daily business operations.

In a media conference held to announce the successfully conducted raid, Chief Enforcement Officer for Perak state, Shamsul Nizam bin Khalil, said, “The raid conducted was undertaken on December 7, 2017, and resulted in the seizure of ten computers, and 49 copies of suspected unlicensed software, worth an estimated (hardware and software) RM400,000 in value. Amongst the many copies of suspected unlicensed software found were software belonging to Adobe, Autodesk, and Microsoft, all members of BSA | The Software Alliance (“BSA”).”

According to Shamsul Nizam the raid was initiated as a result of information received from BSA on the alleged use of unlicensed software in the said organization.

He added, “This also demonstrates the MDTCC’s continued commitment to ensuring that intellectual property rights of copyright owners are being protected under the Copyright Act of 1987.”

“The MDTCC takes a very serious view against companies conducting their business using unlicensed or pirated software. This unethical practice 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,” Shamsul Nizam concluded.

In a statement to media, Gary Gan, BSA’s Director for Compliance Programs, Asia Pacific 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.”

“The BSA continues to work closely with various government agencies, including the MDTCC to promote the use of legal and licensed software in businesses. The commitment shown by these MDTCC Enforcement Officers are highly commendable. Although the rate of unlicensed software installation in Malaysia remains at an all-time low of 53 percent, much still needs to be done.”

“In May this year, the BSA presented RM20,000 as reward to an informant whose information was instrumental in leading to a Sarawak-based precision engineering company being raided in Kuching – for their suspected role in using unlicensed software to conduct their business. The informant who provided BSA with information which led to the successful raid conducted on December 7, 2017, will also stand to receive a similar reward in due time,” concluded Gan.

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

To complement the enforcement efforts of the MDTCC, BSA operates a toll-free anti-piracy hotline at 1-800-887-800, and a reward of RM20,000* is given to any informant that is able to provide the BSA with information that leads to a successful enforcement action. Reports can also be made online at www.bsa.org. All reports to the BSA, are treated with the strictest of confidence.

* Terms and Conditions Apply

Media Contact

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