Tyre Company, Directors Charged Over 107 Fake Sirim-Stamped Tyres

A tyre company in Puchong and its two directors have found themselves in court over claims they tried to pass off retreaded tyres as officially certified.

The company, Yik Woh Tyre Enterprise Sdn Bhd, together with directors Yip Wei Leong, 43, and Yip Wing Kee, 70, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read before the Sessions Court in Shah Alam.

Investigators allege that on Feb 13, the men used fake Sirim MS 224:2005 stickers on 107 retreaded tyres of various makes and sizes at their premises in Meranti Jaya Industrial Park. The stickers gave the impression the tyres had met safety standards, though no such approval was obtained.

If convicted under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011, the directors could face up to three years in prison, a RM200,000 fine, or both. Repeat offences carry even stiffer penalties. The company itself could be fined up to RM500,000, and as much as RM1 million for subsequent offences.

Deputy public prosecutor Mohd Hafizi Abdul Halim and prosecuting officer Nur Abyan Anuar appeared for the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, while the accused were represented by lawyer Aaron Chang.

The prosecution sought RM20,000 bail for each director. The defence asked for less, pointing out one of the accused is 70 and that both had fully cooperated.

Judge Ahmad Fuad Othman eventually set bail at RM10,000 with one surety each and fixed Sept 25 for mention.