The Penang branch of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has conducted a successful operation resulting in the seizure of counterfeit ‘Arai’ helmets valued at RM54,000. This recent raid is part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to combat trademark infringement and protect consumers from substandard products.
According to S. Jegan, the director of KPDN Enforcement in Penang, the operation uncovered 216 helmets bearing ‘Arai’ artwork, which are suspected to be trademark-infringing replicas. Jegan stated, “We found 216 helmets with the ‘Arai’ artwork, valued at RM54,000, suspected to be trademark-infringing replicas.”
This is not the first instance of such seizures in Penang. Earlier in March, a similar raid was conducted in Bukit Mertajam, where 268 fake ‘Arai’ helmets were seized, valued at RM70,240. During that operation, it was discovered that the helmets were branded ‘TSR’ but contained Arai artistic trademarks for various models such as Nakano Shukiken Silver, Black Samurai, and Oriental Blue.
Jegan emphasized the seriousness of the violation, noting that the action was a breach of the Copyright Act 1987. He warned, “Any person committing this offence may be liable under the Copyright Act 1987. If found guilty, they may be fined not less than RM2,000 and not more than RM20,000 for each infringing copy, or imprisoned for a term not exceeding five years or both. Whereas for any subsequent offence, they may be fined not less than RM4,000 and not more than RM40,000 for each infringing copy, or imprisoned for a term not exceeding ten years or both.”
The public has been urged to be vigilant and report any activities involving unauthorized copies to the authorities. Jegan appealed to individuals and parties concerned to always comply with copyright laws to avoid legal repercussions.
Arai Helmets, the genuine brand, was founded by Hirotake Arai, a motorcycle enthusiast who made the first motorcycle helmet in Japan in the early 1950s. Arai helmets are known for their single-piece inner shell made up of multiple densities for structural integrity.
Sources:
- https://www.bernama.com/en/news.php?id=2346884
- https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/03/19/fake-039arai039-helmets-worth-over-rm70000-seized-in-penang-raid
