In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the malaysia's Government through Ministry of Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-Operatives and Consumerism (MDTCC) today brought eight online marketplaces together to collectively combat the sale of counterfeit software.
The event was marked by the signing of a pledge with the MDTCC and Malaysia’s top online marketplaces – Lazada, 11street, Lelong.my, Mudah.my, and LogOn – to remove the sales of counterfeit Microsoft software, which could contain dangerous and malicious malware, while potentially giving cyber criminals access to one’s personal information.
Celebrating this momentous occasion, Tuan Mohd. Roslan bin Mahayudin, Director of Enforcement, Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism, said: “The Malaysian government has always put a high priority on digital development. With increasing access to the digital world, the importance of cyber security cannot be over emphasised. Our partnership with the online marketplaces and Microsoft Malaysia will play a pivotal role in ensuring that netizens are safe from unscrupulous individuals or criminal organisations who thrive on unsuspecting cyber victims.” he said today.
Educates consumers verify software's authenticity
Today’s event also marked the unveiling of a campaign poster that will be hosted on all eight online portals to drive awareness against piracy.
Highlighting the importance of such initiatives, Bruce Howe, General Manager, Consumer Channel Group, Microsoft Malaysia said: “Pirated software continues to be a breeding ground for cybercrime. The price one has to bear for using counterfeit products is potentially much higher than the price of buying genuine products itself.
Our aim is to help consumers understand these risks and to enjoy having a secure and safe PC experience. The support from MDTCC in enforcing stringent laws is crucial in ensuring our efforts are channelled in the right direction. We appreciate the initiatives by these online marketplaces and look forward to working together to protect the interest of our consumers.”
Lazada Malaysia amongst e-commerce platforms supporting the pledge
Amongst the e-commerce platforms supporting the pledge, Hans-Peter Ressel, Chief Executive Officer of online shopping mall and marketplace, Lazada Malaysia said, “With a current total of 12,000 sellers onboard our marketplace at Lazada, we are constantly trying our best to protect our customers and actively remove any products on sale that are suspected or reported to be counterfeit goods.
We look forward to working hand-in-hand with KPDNKK and brands such as Microsoft in ensuring that our customers are purchasing 100% genuine products onsite and getting their money’s worth.”
“We have been devoting a lot of time and effort to ensure the online marketplace remains clean of malware. For this to be successful, we need an active online ecosystem that is equally committed to the drive against piracy. We also urge consumers to be more vigilant and be our eyes and ears in this campaign,” concluded Tuan Mohd. Roslan bin Mahayudin.
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