JITRA: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) seized over 1,000 bottles of suspected counterfeit branded laundry detergent in a coordinated operation across three districts here, yesterday (Jan 7).
State KPDN director Muhammad Nizam Jamaludin said the raids, conducted at 11am in Kota Setar, Kuala Muda, and Baling, followed months of intelligence work and public complaints.
"In total, 1,049 bottles of fake detergent worth RM19,897.11 were confiscated. This includes 572 bottles from Kuala Muda, 283 from Kota Setar, and 194 from Baling," he said during a press conference at the ministry's seized goods store.
The operation was carried out in collaboration with representatives of the detergent's registered trademark owner.
On the differences between the genuine and counterfeit products, Nizam said that the original bottles featured shinier labels, while the imitations had dull packaging and lacked the signature fragrance, with some having no scent at all.
Initial investigations revealed that all three outlets sourced the counterfeit products from a single supplier.
The fake detergent was sold at significantly lower prices, ranging from RM18.59 to RM19.99, compared to the original product's retail price of about RM25.
"We've been monitoring this activity since September last year. Efforts are ongoing to trace the source of production, and statements have been recorded from the representatives of the implicated outlets," he said.
The case is being investigated under the Trade Marks Act 2019, and Nizam issued a stern warning against the sale of counterfeit goods.
"Strict action will be taken against offenders. We also encourage the public to provide information or file complaints regarding the sale of imitation products," he said.