3 Individuals Fined RM39k For Selling Unauthorised Android Boxes

Android TV boxes are used to watch on-demand video apps, video sites, and network TV shows. If an Android box doesn't have a SIRIM cert or logo then it is an unauthorised and illegal device. The Android box is also illegal if it is connected to an unauthorised cable connection or international satellite. Three men were fined a total of RM39,000 by the Magistrate's Court in Melaka for selling Android boxes which did not meet Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) standards.

Lee Hock Chuan (21), Ong Tuck Keong (30), and How Jun Tian (20) pleaded guilty to the offence on 2 March. The trio were charged under 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 Section carries a fine of RM4,000 and no more than RM40,000 for each product related to the offence, or face jail time of no more than 10 years, or both, upon conviction.

The three were found guilty of selling three units of the boxes and one unit of Top Box (an Android box). The three had committed the offences at 1.10pm at a supermarket in Peringgit, Melaka on 25 October 2021.

On top of that, Ong and How were also fined for selling 28 of the devices that were found not to meet the standards set under the Communications and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2000. The two faced the charges under Regulation 16(1)(b) of Communications and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2000. The Section carries a maximum fine of RM300,000 or imprisonment of up to 30 years, or both if found guilty.

Magistrate Nabilah Nizam imposed the fines on the three men who were represented by counsels Vincent Tey and Milavieri Virginia Chong Yee Nee.

It goes to show, paying for quality content is the right way to go!