Statistics showed that 763 CDs, 1,076 video tapes and 945,271 VCds were seized in about 400 raids in Malaysia in the first half of 1998. So far, 166 people have been charged in court in connection with these offences. The aforesaid figures represent a revenue loss of more than RM25 million for the legitimate copyright owners and Rm7 million in sales tax for the Government over the last six months.
The number of video tapes and discs seized have also increased in the past three years :-
Year Total(units)
1995 99,445
1996 231,482
1997 949,351
In 1997, the official figures released showed that complaints under the Copyright Act led to a seizure of pirated CDs, VCDs and computer software valued at 10.7 million. Of the 467 cases, 237 cases were taken to court and only RM266,000.00 was collected in fines.
In cases where the pirates are let off with light sentences probably owing to technicalities in the prosecution case, it is hoped that the civil suits would act as further deterrent for future as well as persistent offenders.
By Clara C.F. Yip, Henry Goh & Co. SDN. BHD.
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