Putrajaya: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) busted a suspected counterfeit liquor manufacturing and distribution operation following a raid at a premises in Presint 9 here on Monday. KPDN Enforcement director-general Datuk Azman Adam reported that a local man, a local woman, and a Vietnamese woman were detained to assist in investigations. The operation was a joint effort between KPDN enforcement officers and Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) personnel.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the raid revealed 1,262 bottles of alcoholic beverages of various brands believed ready for distribution. Authorities also discovered thousands of empty bottles, suspected liquor mixtures, alcohol essence, caramel essence, and flavouring agents. The presence of bottled liquor alongside raw materials, bottling equipment, empty bottles, labels, and packaging materials suggests a connection to liquor production and packaging before market distribution.
Azman stated that the authorities seized two bottle-capping machines, a pump, labels, bottle caps, packaging materials, and a roll of stickers suspected to resemble customs tax stamps. Additionally, a vehicle and mobile phones were confiscated. The total value of the seizure is estimated at RM206,630. Investigations are ongoing to trace the supply chain and identify other parties involved.
The case is being investigated under Section 102 of the Trademarks Act 2019 (Act 815), which stipulates a fine of up to RM10,000 for each counterfeit item, imprisonment for up to three years, or both upon conviction for an individual's first offence. For subsequent offences, the fine increases to RM20,000 per item, with imprisonment of up to five years, or both. Corporate bodies face fines of up to RM15,000 per item for a first offence and RM30,000 per item for subsequent offences.
Azman emphasized that KPDN regards activities involving the production and distribution of counterfeit goods as deceptive to consumers and infringing on the rights of legitimate trademark owners. "KPDN, together with enforcement agencies, will continue to strengthen strategic cooperation, information sharing, and enforcement actions to curb such activities," he stated.