BATU PAHAT: Fake designer handbags worth RM20,000 in an operation on four outlets at a shopping complex on Oct 11.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry’s (KDNHEP) Batu Pahat branch head Noor Azmi Lamisza said two men and a woman were also detained during the raid.
He said the trio were found to have been selling counterfeit items since six months ago.
“Initial investigation revealed that they obtained the supplies of bags from a wholesaler in the national capital who bought the items in foreign countries including China.
“After carrying out surveillance and receiving tip-offs, a 16-man team from the branch, along with trademark owners, raided the premises.
“We confiscated a total of 380 bags comprised 197 Long Champ designer bags, Bonia bags (162) and Carlo Rino (21).
“Based on the number of items confiscated during the operation, the suspects face a maximum of RM3.8 million fine under Section 8(2) (b) of the Trade Description Act 2011 for offering and supplying items with fake trade description,” he told a Press conference at the district KDNHEP office today.
Noor Azmi advised the public to be wary of sellers offering branded items at a cheaper.
He said genuine handbags came with a guarantee card issued by the manufacturers.
“Consumers who are not about the items on display should check the list of licensed distributors and their locations.
“The public may also bring those who cheated them by selling fake goods to the Consumer Claims Tribunal,” he said.
Between Jan 1 and Oct 16, KPDNHEP Batu Pahat had carried out checks on 8,866 premises with 142 cases recorded involving items seizure worth RM39,382 and RM74,450 compounds.
The cases are being investigated under Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, Weights and Measures Act 1972 and Control of Supplies Act 1961.
Noor Azmi said the branch had so far addressed 159 consumer complaints within the same period.