Monday 29 November 2010

Very Good News from the Gomen, "Pirated DVD buyers let off"

I am in Chittagong, Bangladesh at the moment finally having some time to post from the comforts of my hotel room. Apart from the internet connectivity which is quite satisfactory the food here is great if you like it hot and spicy, the green chilli padi here is a killer. The people here are generally friendly especially if they find out that you are Malaysian.


Anyway I heard the Malaysian Government had come to their senses; from the NST:


Pirated DVD buyers let off


KUALA LUMPUR: The proposal to penalise those who buy pirated DVDs, VCDs and CDs will not be seeing the light of day after all.


Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob told the New Sunday Times that the proposal, which was mooted by the industry, had been shot down because the 'public feels the move is too harsh'.


"The people think the proposal to amend the Copyright Act to this effect is too punitive. They fear the enforcement of the amendment.


“They are concerned about misuse of power during enforcement.


Read more here.


The decision is timely, other wise our Penjara will be filled to the brim with Malaysians who I am sure at one time or the other had inadvertently bought a pirated DVD or two for their Mak, Ayah and children and friends.


Malaysia have enough Laws to counter DVD piracy, what we need is good honest well organised enforcement agency specifically for pirate goods, one which is not corrupted by money offered by the piracy crime lord who are highly organised and very, very well funded.


We have now a severe critical situation where even the Malay and other local movies and songs are pirated and sold openly for a fraction of the already low published legal price. If these situation is not contained our local movie and song industry will soon die, killed by piracy no matter how much money the Government give to help the industry. Yes, definitely its not right to punish the gullible and naive consumer until the enforcement have really done their job well without fear or favor.

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