the boxes still can install those app upon purchase... unless really block the IP for download...

Singapore
Android TV box seller fined in landmark copyright infringement case
Read more at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singap...gement-11473652

Hefty fine for selling Android TV boxes without Sirim sticker
Published: Today 1:28 pm  |  Modified: Today 1:28 pm

A man has been fined RM40,000 for selling Android TV boxes that were not authorised by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

According to the MCMC, the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court had found that Chen Kar Seng had violated the Communication and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2000.

Chen was accused of being in possession of 146 Android TV boxes without a Sirim sticker affixed in any of them.

Android TV boxes are the colloquial name for small computers running the Android operating system that are popular among, but not limited to, users streaming video content.

Although such devices can be used to stream from legitimate content providers such as KiniTV, Netflix and Spotify, it is sometimes associated with piracy.

In February, MCMC had warned that it was cracking down on those selling Android TV boxes that have not been screened by the authorities.

Meanwhile, three individuals were fined RM30,000 by the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court for violating the same regulation, but for selling AV senders.

In a statement, MCMC enforcement chief Mohd Shafie Harun urged the public to only use communication devices with the proper MCMC lables.

He said this was important for consumer safety and to prevent disruptions of other communication services.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/481246

Another thing is, (please don't be angry with me in saying this,) people in Malaysia lack education and realization in how bad piracy is.

1) Since our currency has lack of power, everything becomes expensive. Thus people resulting to pirates.

2) People in Malaysia seems to can't fathom to respect other people's hard work and how expensive for the staffs in making the movies/dramas/tv etc. Imagine you work hard on a project, and somebody just steal your project and make profit on it.

3) People in Malaysia don't care when illegal sellers profit without the true effort. Illegal sellers, they didn't put that much effort, they just steal other people's products, but they earn lots of money.

4) People in Malaysia don't even care, as long as they themselves profit in easy way.
So that's the lack of education part. Also, the environment itself plays a part. If you go to a stricter country, say Japan, they will condemn you for using illegal things and your disrespect towards other people hard work.

That's said, I don't know what's the solution. Our currency is poor, but we want to live like the richest country.. Sorry if I'm mistaken.

There's solution is encourage those international legitimate providers like Netflix, Hulu, HBO, etc. to offer their service here at affordable price. I think a lot of people are beginning to realise this and that is why Netflix has been quite successful here.

Look at Steam. There are still some people who download/torrent games but today pirated PC gaming is more or less gone.

There's solution is encourage those international legitimate providers like Netflix, Hulu, HBO, etc. to offer their service here at affordable price. I think a lot of people are beginning to realise this and that is why Netflix has been quite successful here.

Look at Steam. There are still some people who download/torrent games but today pirated PC gaming is more or less gone.

yup...  online play required license ... play alone suck nowadays... no more single player

PJ-based company and directors fined RM35,000 in total for owning uncertified Android TV boxes
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2...YqzgK1ZFjfWW.99

Two directors of LC Marketing Network Media Sdn Bhd have been ordered to pay an RM10,000 fine each after they pleaded guilty to owning 79 units of non-certified Android TV boxes with the intention to sell them at Digital Mall in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Chen Kaiyi, 34, and Yeak Wang Ying, 33, were charged at the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court earlier this week. Their company, LC Marketing Network Media, has also been slapped with an RM15,000 fine.

The charges were filed under Regulation 16 of the Communications and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2000, and Section 244 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) enforcement and investigation head Datuk Mohd Shafie Harun reminded the public to look out for the Sirim label before purchasing a communication device.

“MCMC urges the people to only purchase and use communications equipment that has been certified by Sirim. If you are unsure, download the Check Your Label mobile app or visit ecomm.sirim.my to ensure that the communications equipment purchased is legitimate and certified,” said Mohd Shafie.
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2...YqzgK1ZFjfWW.99

Don't see Thailand, Vietnam or even China crying foul about piracy. More like a trade war and monopoly market using governments to secure their marketshare.

Another thing is, (please don't be angry with me in saying this,) people in Malaysia lack education and realization in how bad piracy is.

1) Since our currency has lack of power, everything becomes expensive. Thus people resulting to pirates.

2) People in Malaysia seems to can't fathom to respect other people's hard work and how expensive for the staffs in making the movies/dramas/tv etc. Imagine you work hard on a project, and somebody just steal your project and make profit on it.

3) People in Malaysia don't care when illegal sellers profit without the true effort. Illegal sellers, they didn't put that much effort, they just steal other people's products, but they earn lots of money.

4) People in Malaysia don't even care, as long as they themselves profit in easy way.
So that's the lack of education part. Also, the environment itself plays a part. If you go to a stricter country, say Japan, they will condemn you for using illegal things and your disrespect towards other people hard work.

That's said, I don't know what's the solution. Our currency is poor, but we want to live like the richest country.. Sorry if I'm mistaken.

No decision yet on Android TV ban, says MCMC

Tuesday, July 23rd, 2019 at , Economy | News

The MCMC urges the people to only purchase and use communications equipment that is SIRIM-certified

by NG MIN SHEN / pic by TMR GRAPHIC

THE Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will not be imposing a ban just yet on the sale of Android TV boxes in Malaysia, amid recent crackdowns on those found to be in possession of unauthorised streaming devices.

“There’s no decision yet,” MCMC chairman Al-Ishsal Ishak told The Malaysian Reserve when asked if there would be an outright ban on the sale and/or use of Android set-top boxes.

“We’re just doing our job,” he added in response to whether the clampdown foreshadows a full prohibition, as the popularity of the streaming boxes continues to rise among the public.

Media streaming boxes allow users to access both legal and illegal sites on the Internet.

In February, Deputy Communications and Multimedia Minister Eddin Syazlee Shith said the MCMC and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) are conducting an in-depth study on a potential television (TV) box ban.

“We hope the study will be completed before the end of this year, and until then, there is no ruling to restrict or completely ban the sale of the Android TV box,” Eddin Syazlee said.

In the meantime, Malaysia’s communications and multimedia industry regulator has been ramping up enforcement efforts against illicit TV boxes in recent months, raising the question of whether a total ban is on its way.

It has been reported that local filmmakers are in two minds on whether these boxes should be banned, as some argued that users could still find ways to stream the content via other means.

In that same month, the MCMC had blocked access to 246 illegal content streaming sources that provide illegal streaming content through Android TV boxes. It stated that the move is part of the MCMC’s effort to curb content piracy in the country.

In April this year, a couple and their company were charged by the MCMC’s head of prosecution in the Sessions Court for selling non-standard Android TV boxes.

This was the first case brought against non-standard Android TV box vendors since Gobind Singh Deo took office as the communications and multimedia minister in May 2018. The most recent charge before April was in September 2017.

Following the April case, four businessmen were charged in June for possessing and selling unlicensed Android TV boxes and audio-video sender equipment. The four were fined a total of RM70,000.

Just two weeks ago, LC Marketing Network Media Sdn Bhd and two of its directors were then charged in the Petaling Jaya (PJ) Sessions Court for owning 79 units of non-certified Android TV boxes with the intention of selling the boxes at Digital Mall, PJ. The company and its directors were fined a total of RM35,000.

In its July 12 statement announcing the charges brought against LC Marketing, the MCMC said it’s “continuing its enforcement action against anyone who owns and sells non-certified communications devices”.

It said the usage of non-certified communications equipment could cause frequency disruptions to communications networks and affect service quality.

“The MCMC urges the people to only purchase and use communications equipment that has been certified by SIRIM Bhd (a government-owned industrial research and technology organisation),” the regulator added.

Just a month prior to Eddin Syazlee’s statement, Singapore’s Law Ministry said it’s considering passing new laws to ban the sale of illegal streaming boxes that allow consumers to access pirated content.

In November last year, Singapore’s High Court ordered Internet service providers to block access to TV box applications that allow streaming and downloads of content like films, TV series and live sports channels, citing copyright infringement issues.

Android set-top boxes have become increasingly popular over the past two to three years, owing to their relatively cheap prices versus that of traditional pay-TV subscriptions.

The devices also offer vast selections of content, often including the latest movies and TV shows, and are widely available in physical stores, as well as online retail platforms.

Hong Leong Investment Bank Bhd in an earlier note said Astro Malaysia Holdings Bhd is clearly the most affected by the proliferation of TV boxes, as evident in its declining premium subscribers over the last three years.

It said Astro holds about 77% of the domestic pay-TV market, while the rest is controlled by Telekom Malaysia Bhd through unifiTV.

Speaking to reporters in January this year, Al-Ishsal said the sale and ownership of streaming boxes that allow consumers to access pirated content is illegal in Malaysia.

On the technical side, the set-top boxes require SIRIM approvals, while the content itself would fall under the Copyright Act 1987 if it contains elements of copyright infringement, Al-Ishsal said, adding that the matter involves various ministries, including the KPDNHEP.
https://themalaysianreserve.com/2019/07/23/...-ban-says-mcmc/

All those sellers must be smart also.. dont put ads such as potong u punya ast*o.. kanina.. or watch ast*o at lower price.. this iptv, android box.. last time was supposed to be underground.. now too exposed until got one fella damn bloody stupid promote the 'aotg slot' on official astr*o fb page..

Just the first reason, we already know that our country currency not just only low. 80% of citizens are getting their salary below RM3,000. In Singapore at least got SGD3,000. Everything imported goods are expensive except foods. We buy a phone for RM3,000 but people in Singapore buy a phone in the same price for just SGD1,000. Just 1/3 of their salary, we are 100% of our salary.

it's really sad.. Makes me wanna scream "life is unfair".

Malaysia is 1/3 poorer than those countries, but sadly we dont sustain on our own products.. Almost every prices even in simple malls, are somewhat the same, or maybe even higher, with the prices in overseas malls.

So sad & crushing.