Malaysia

Authorities uncover counterfeit watch sales behind telecom shopfront in Kuala Lumpur raid

Operation targets unlicensed trade and immigration offences at Jalan Silang premises

Updated 1 year ago · Published on 19 Jun 2025 10:30AM

Authorities uncover counterfeit watch sales behind telecom shopfront in Kuala Lumpur raid
Several foreign nationals offered a range of explanations, including ignorance of the legal requirements for weighing instruments and price displays - June 19, 2025

A BUSINESS premise posing as a telecommunications and mobile accessories store was found to be selling counterfeit wristwatches during a joint enforcement operation on Jalan Silang on Wednesday evening.

The raid, carried out under Ops Gempur KL Strike Force, involved the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), the Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM), and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

The premises, believed to be operated by foreign nationals, was among 12 business and food outlets inspected from 9pm onwards.

KPDN Kuala Lumpur Director Mohd Sabri Seman said the enforcement action followed a week of intelligence gathering and public complaints concerning the high concentration of foreign-run businesses in the area.

“A total of 10 cases were recorded during the operation, comprising three pricing-related offences, five related to weighing equipment, and two trademark violations,” Sinar Harian quoted him saying during a press briefing following the raid.

“Compounds amounting to RM6,000 were issued for offences such as failing to display price tags and using unverified weighing and measuring devices, under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (Act 723) and the Weights and Measures Act 1972.”

“In addition, 125 units of counterfeit wristwatches, estimated to be worth RM6,500, were seized under the Trademarks Act 2019,” he added.

Reporters from Sinar Harian who accompanied the operation observed that several traders offered a range of explanations, including ignorance of the legal requirements for weighing instruments and price displays.

Mohd Sabri noted that most of the premises inspected were not fully compliant with pricing regulations.

“Although some only failed to display part of their product pricing, enforcement action was still taken, as the law mandates all prices must be clearly shown,” he said.

“The use of expired or uncertified weighing instruments is also considered a serious offence and will not be tolerated,” he added.

In tandem with KPDN's actions, JIM officers detained 24 individuals for immigration offences.

“The detainees included 10 from Bangladesh, eight Nepalese, two Indonesians, two Pakistanis, two Myanmar nationals, and one Sri Lankan. They were detained under the Immigration Act 1959/1963 (Act 155),” said Mohd Sabri.

DBKL also took action during the operation, issuing 17 compound notices and one premises closure notice under Section 101(1)(v) of the Local Government Act 1976.

Mohd Sabri urged the public to remain vigilant regarding counterfeit goods and to report traders who fail to display prices clearly.

“We encourage members of the public to report any information related to regulatory violations to the relevant authorities so that prompt action can be taken,” he said. - June 19, 2025

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