Illegal instant coffee shipment seized in Malaysia

After it emerged last week that you might be drinking twigs, dirt and other bits and bobs with your coffee every morning, it turns out that there is indeed a very real risk of buying fake coffee. 

Over the weekend the Malaysian Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry has shut down an operation that was distributing fake instant coffee in South East Asia.

According to reports emanating from the Malaysian press, the ministry’s enforcement chief, Suhami Mat Sari, announced that around 40,000 sachets of imitation Tongkat Ali coffee (which features an alluring and inviting hint of ginseng, so we’ve been told) from a number of premises late on Friday.

$20,000 haul

The street value of this counterfeit coffee was in the region of $20,000, it was announced, and the entire haul would be sent off to a specialist chemistry department for analysis, in order to determine what comprised this illegal instant java.

“We believe this operation has been going on in Sabah for six months,” Suhami said, before adding that the fake products are likely being sold onto unassuming customers in coffee shops throughout the eastern regions of Malaysia.

Suhami also confirmed that the raid was conducted by his department following a complaint being lodged by trademark holders who had noticed a similar, but not legitimate, product bearing the name and likeness of Tonkat Ali coffee on display in a number of locations.

Some representatives even took part in the raid, it is reported, and were able to help to determine the imitation coffees.

No arrests have been made at this moment in time, though the owner of the premises where the containment was held will be charged under the Trade Descriptions Act of 2011.

The owner is believed to have said that the counterfeit sachets were sold at 50c each – the same price as the legal, legitimate product.

If successfully convicted, those involved with the coffee cartel could face a three year jail term and a fine that could range anywhere between $30,000-$75,000.

Is nothing sacred anymore?