An array of counterfeit goods worth over RM370,000 were disposed of by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDN) in Kota Kinabalu on Thursday (Nov 23).
These goods were seized in 11 cases investigated between 2019 and this year under the Trademarks Act 2019 and Trade Description Act 2011.
“Among the items being disposed of are sports attire and shoes, wristwatches, perfumes, shampoos, razors, pen drives, and compact discs,” said Sabah KPDN deputy director Zulfamy Mat Udi, at their exhibit storehouse here on Nov 23.
He said the items, worth around RM375,210.63, were to be disposed of after the completion of the probes on the 11 cases which have led to prosecutions.
He added a significant portion of the items seized consisted of sports jerseys valued at approximately RM233,000.
However, he explained that not all the items would be destroyed.
“For goods that meet certain criteria, they will be donated to the needy such as orphanages following specific procedures,” Zulfamy said.
“Some will also be returned to the owners if they have a valid business license,” Zulfamy said.
For the record, he said Sabah KPDN had conducted a total of 18 disposal activities of seized items this year so far, involving a value of RM1,045,644.65.
He said between January and Nov 21, they have carried out 70,335 checks on premises throughout Sabah.
Out of these checks, he said, they initiated a total of 1,096 cases involving offenses under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, Control of Supplies Act 1961, Consumer Protection Act 1999, Trademarks Act 2019, and Trade Description Act 2011, among others.
“We also recorded notices of compounds amounting to RM485,800, followed by seized items valued at more than RM5.9 million and fines totaling RM123,000,” Zulfamy said.
Towards this end, he said the Ministry will intensify enforcement efforts in order to protect consumers’ interests.
Zulfamy urged the public to report any misconduct by traders to the Ministry’s WhatsApp number at 019-279 4317 or 019-848 8000. They can also reach out to their complaints portal at e-aduan.kpdn.gov.my or write officially to any nearby KPDN offices.
