Can You Sell Fake Disney Toys in Malaysia?

 

If you’ve ever walked through a Pasar Malam (night market) or scrolled through Shopee, you’ve probably seen those cheap toys that look like Elsa from Frozen, Spider-Man from Marvel, or Lightning McQueen from Cars.

But look closer, and you might see spelling mistakes, strange packaging, or logos that don’t look quite right.

These are called bootleg toys, and yes, selling them is illegal in Malaysia.

Let’s break it down and look at a real case where the authorities took action.

What Does Malaysian Law Say? 

Malaysia’s Copyright Act 1987 protects creative works like:

  • Characters (like Elsa or Iron Man)

  • Logos and designs 

  • Music, movies, artwork, and more

You can’t sell products using these copyrighted elements unless you have a license from the owner (in this case, Disney or Marvel).

Also, under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011, it’s illegal to:

  • Sell fake goods

  • Mislead people into thinking a fake product is real

So, yes,  if you sell bootleg toys, you could face fines or even jail time.

Real Case: Disney & Marvel Bootleg Toys Seized in Malaysia

This isn’t just theory. It really happened.

Between 2019 and 2022, Malaysia’s Ministry of Domestic Trade (KPDNHEP) carried out several raids across cities like:

  • Kuala Lumpur

  • Penang

  • Johor Bahru

  • Muar and more

They targeted shops, warehouses, and online sellers who were selling fake Disney, Pixar, and Marvel toys.

Here’s what they found:

  • Thousands of bootleg toys

  • Frozen dolls, Toy Story action figures, Spider-Man toys, and Mickey Mouse plushies

  • Estimated value: over RM500,000

These toys were often imported from China or Thailand and sold at a low price in pasar malam stalls and online shops.

What Happened to the Sellers?

The sellers were charged under Malaysian copyright and trade laws. They faced:

  • Fines up to RM10,000 per item

  • Up to 5 years in prison

  • Or both

Some claimed they “didn’t know” the toys were fake, but the law says: being unaware is not an excuse.

What Happens If You Buy Fake Toys?

It’s not just the sellers who can get in trouble. Buyers also need to be careful.

Here’s why purchasing bootleg toys is a bad idea:

  1. Supporting Illegal Activity: When you buy bootleg toys, you're supporting illegal businesses. This can encourage the production and sale of counterfeit products.

  2. Quality and Safety: Bootleg toys are often made with cheap materials that may not meet safety standards. For example, they could contain harmful chemicals, sharp edges, or small parts that pose a risk to children.

  3. No Customer Support or Warranties: Purchasing a genuine Disney or Marvel toy provides access to customer service, refunds, and warranties. Bootleg toys come with none of this. If the toy breaks or is damaged, you're out of luck.

  4. Devaluing the Creators: These toys are often manufactured without any compensation being given to the individuals who created the characters we love. This hurts the businesses and individuals behind them.

What You Should Learn

Even if you’re a student selling toys or merch online as a small business, these laws still apply. Here's what you need to remember:

  1. Bootlegs are illegal
    Whether cheap or not, counterfeit products harm the original creators and violate the law.

  2. You need permission to sell branded items
    Disney, Marvel, Nintendo, and others all have strict licensing rules.

  3. Think before you buy or sell
    If a toy or product looks suspiciously cheap or unofficial, it’s better to avoid it.


Alya Maryana Binti Mahayuddin 
1211101397



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