The director of a Shah Alam-based IT company was recently charged with selling Android TV Box sets which allow the illegal streaming of copyrighted broadcast content.

In a statement yesterday, Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) enforcement director Azman Adam said the man pleaded guilty to the charge before Sessions Court Judge Rofiah Ahmad last Monday (Feb 8), and judgment has been set for March 1, 2021.

According to the charge, the company was on its way to sell a Long TV brand of Android Boxes at its premise in I-City, Persiaran Multimedia, Section 7, Shah Alam, Selangor, at 4.55pm on Sept 2, 2020, which is a violation of Section 41(1)(ha) of the Copyright Act 1987 for selling any technology or device for the purpose of bypassing any effective technological measures stated under subsection 36A(3) of the same Act.

The ministry's deputy public prosecutor Tan Chiew King prosecuted, and if found guilty, the company can be fined between RM4,000 and RM40,000 for each product related to the offence, or imprisonment not exceeding 10 years, of both.

"The KPDNHEP will take stern action against suppliers and sellers who misuse devices and software with the aim of illegally intercepting and accessing content protected by the owner of copyrighted works," the ministry warned, further urging the public to not be deceived by the sale of Android TV Box devices.

Azman also urged the public to channel any information on piracy through the 1-800-886-800 hotline, or at 03-88826088, or via WhatsApp at 019-2794317. Alternatively, reports can also be made via http://e-aduan.kpdnhep.gov.my or in person at any nearby KPDNHEP offices.


Source: Bernama
Photo source: theedgemarkets.com