RM10,000 Fine Imposed for Unauthorised Content in TV Box Sales

Landmark Copyright Case: Individual Fined RM10,000 for Unauthorized Astro Content in TV Box

The Petaling Jaya Sessions Court made headlines as they prosecuted an individual for distributing a TV box pre-loaded with unauthorised Astro content, invoking Section 43AA (1)(c) of the Copyright Act 1987. The defendant, upon admitting guilt, resolved the matter by paying a RM10,000 fine.

The offence was committed on 20 July 2023 at a mall in Petaling Jaya where 9 TV Boxes including one TV Box preloaded with unauthorised content was found during the raid.   

Earlier this year, 6 individuals have been charged and fined for the same offence under the Copyright (Amendment) Act 2022 as below. 

• On 3 April 2023, a 22-year-old student was fined by the Kuala Lumpur Magistrate’s Court for having in his possession an unauthorised link to a popular local TV drama series on his devices.
• On 5 April 2023, two individuals were charged at the Kuala Lumpur Session Court (Cyber) for selling TV boxes with unauthorised Astro content.
• On 13 April 2023, two individuals were fined RM14,000 in total by the Kluang Magistrate’s Court for selling TV boxes pre-loaded with unauthorised Astro content.
• On 16 June 2023, one individual was fined RM20, 000 by The Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court for selling TV boxes with unauthorised Astro content.

The Copyright (Amendment) Act 2022 was gazetted on 10 February 2022. Enforcement of the law was implemented by the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) on 18 March 2022. 

The key impact of the amendment is the criminalisation of the sale of illicit streaming devices (ISDs) and associated software applications that allow unauthorised access to copyright content. Anyone found guilty can be fined up to RM200,000, be imprisoned up to 20 years, or both. 

The amendments to the Copyright Act followed the declaration by the Intellectual Property High Court in Kuala Lumpur in May 2021 that the sale, offer for sale, distribution and/or supply of ISDs that can provide unauthorised access to copyrighted works, constitutes copyright infringement under the Copyright Act 1987.

The public is reminded to channel information of piracy activities to KPDNHEP through hotline 1-800-886-800 or 03-8882 6088 at the Enforcement Command Centre, WhatsApp at 019-279 4317, email to e-aduan@kpdnhep.gov.my or via Ez ADU app.