Malaysia: Piracy King?

Perhaps most of you do not know about this, but Malaysia has the reputation as one of the leading country for piracy worldwide.

Don't believe me? Have a look at the quotes below:

1) "Most pirated discs are made at Malaysia's licensed factories," said James Wise, an anti-piracy expert in Hong Kong for the International Recording Media Association in Princeton, New Jersey.

International Herald Tribune, Pirated discs thrive in Malaysia,
[Online], Retrieved 16th Jan 2009,
URL: http://www.iht.com

2) "In the past, Malaysia has been perceived as a leading exporter of pirated VCDs and DVDs and I am deeply concerned about this allegation," said Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry Datuk Shafie Apdal.

The Recording Industry Association in Malaysia, Pirated CDs, New law to punish building owners,
[Online], Retrieved 16th Jan 2009,
URL: http://www.rim.org.my/

3) "Malaysia is considered to be the world’s largest exporter of pirated discs. Pirated discs produced in Malaysia have been found across Europe, Asia, Latin America and, most recently, in South Africa."

Tech Shout, Malaysia receives warning over pirated CD's,
[Online], Retrieved 16th Jan 2009,
URL: http://www.techshout.com/hardware/2005/08/malaysia-receives-warning-over-pirated-cds/

Without realizing, most of us contributed to the "Pirated Country" reputation Malaysia is getting actually. Most of us download songs, movies, games and even comics from the internet without the permission of the owner but no one care because they wouldn't mind if they can get what they want for free. All of these are actually an act of piracy. Besides that, sending those songs or movie clips that you've downloaded without permission to your friends is almost the same as distributing pirated goods.

Would you like to be known as a citizen of the world's famous Pirated Country? Seriously after reading all the articles I really have to think twice before exposing my nationality if I ever meet a foreigner -_-" Imagine if this happens one day:

Foreigner: Hi, nice to meet you. Where are you from?

Me : Well I'm from Malaysia, have you heard of it?

Foreigner: Oh ya I've heard of your country. It's the leading country for piracy right?

Me: Errr... *speechless*

What will you feel if this situation really happens one day? Don't keep the "this-will-not-happen-to-me" attitude because you will never know :) time to do something Malaysians