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Whistleblowers on pirated software to get US$16,000Mar 15, 2012 (The Star - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- PUTRAJAYA (THE STAR/ANN) -- A reward of 50,000 ringgit (US$16,300) is up for grabs for whistleblowers who could provide reliable leads on companies using pirated software. The Business Software Alliance (BSA) said the offer is valid for reports made starting yesterday until April 15, 2012. Those who have information of such nature may contact the toll-free hotline 1800-887-800. "This offer is for those who can provide us with leads on any businesses who use pirated and unlicensed software. "The size of the reward is subjected to terms and conditions, including the relevance of the information provided and the size of the company that they are reporting on, " said BSA senior director of marketing (Asia Pacific) Roland Chan, who represented the worldwide non-profit trade group. The announcement was made in a joint press conference with the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism director-general (enforcement) Mohd Roslan Mahayudin here Wednesday . The latter said businesses who used illegal software were mainly from the manufacturing and professional services sectors, including architectural firms, engineering consultancies, interior design firms, advertising and marketing agencies, security services companies and cyber cafes. A total of 61 enforcement raids were conducted against businesses last year, with the largest single seizure valued at 607,800 ringgit ($198,500). "The raids (last year) yielded 394 computers and peripherals along with 1,416 copies of suspected pirated software, with a combined total estimated value of 8.2 million ringgit ($2.67 million), " Mohd Roslan said, adding that among some of the most common software seized were for photo-editing and anti-virus protection. The ministry also warned that businesses found guilty of using or in possession of pirated software will be liable to a fine of between 2,000 ringgit ($653) and 20,000 ringgit ($6,500) for each infringing copy of software and/ or a prison sentence of up to five years. The carrot for whistleblowers, adds Chan, is to complement the government's anti-piracy efforts. ___ (c)2012 the Asia News Network (Hamburg, Germany) Visit the Asia News Network (Hamburg, Germany) at www.asianewsnet.net/home/ Distributed by MCT Information Services |