MALAYSIA COMPUTER INDUSTRY TARGETED IN THEFTS Daily Express, Sabah, Malaysia -- News Headlines COMMENT: Here is an article that may help explain the motives behind most computer thefts in Malaysia. The value of computer parts and the black market that exists for these parts is the driving force behind most thefts.

Computer industry robbed of RM8 million
20 April, 2004
Kuala Lumpur: The local computer industry has lost a staggering RM8 million in nearly 20 cases of daring armed robberies, mainly in the Klang Valley, since January.

The Association of Computer and Multimedia Industry of Malaysia (Pikom) is concerned over the surge in robberies which could harm the booming industry worth nearly RM9 billion.

“At least one or two cases were reported every month since January but it has become worse in March,” Pikom’s Personal Computer Industry Special Interest Committee Chairman Low Wai Sun said here Monday.

“If this (robbery) goes on, it is not only harmful to the industry but will also tarnish our country’s image. Consumers and local industry players will be affected,” he warned.

Low said small and large computer parts distributors, including major multi-national companies (MNC), had fallen prey to a specialised syndicate, which either hijacked lorries carrying expensive parts or robbed factory warehouses.

“They love to target computer companies because it is easy to cash out, easy to dispose the goods quickly at high cash value. It is also very hard to trace the stolen goods because thousands of parts and accessories float in the market,” he added.

Low disclosed that two robbery cases were reported at the three-day PC Fair at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), which concluded on Sunday.

“In a well-planned move, the robbers hijacked a lorry loaded with computer parts on Sunday but only managed to escape with goods worth RM20,000.

“On the same day, five robbers walked into one of the booths and escaped with nearly RM90,000 in cash,” he said.

Two leading MNCs were hit since January - a major office equipment and camera producer was robbed of RM4 million, while another well-known computer chip manufacturer lost RM2 million to robbers.

Low said nearly 70 per cent of the stolen computer parts were exported as it fetched lucrative prices in overseas markets, while the balance of the goods were sold locally.

A similar spate of crimes was reported between 1999 and 2002, but after police took serious action, there was a lull. However, the trend has emerged again, he added. - Bernama