Malaysia's anti-piracy protection improving, says minister

He said Malaysia has taken the initiative to make amendments to the copyright laws according to international standards.

"The country has taken steps to strengthen protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights and has issued regulations as well.

"However, we still have piracy issues and the government is doing its best to curb this issue," he told reporters after the launch of the "Bersatu Membanteras Cetak Rompak" anti-piracy campaign here Saturday.

Malaysia had been on the US Trade Representative (USTR) watch list on intellectual property violations since 1989 but was taken off the list in 2012.

Hasan stressed that the ministry is serious about eradicating piracy and will take firm action on that.

During the period of January to March 2014, a total of 11,704 premises were raided nationwide involving 235 cases and seizure of about RM877,922 worth of counterfeit items.

Last year, 98,311 premises were raided involving 1,169 cases with counterfeit goods worth RM7.956 million confiscated.

Hasan said awareness campaigns including on the legal aspects, the implications for industry players and a festival on user generated content will be telecast soon.

A programme called "Detik Sepi" (Silent Moment) will be telecast on April 30 on prime time for two minutes at 9pm, he said.