WITH a history dating back more than 100 years, Chinatown in Petaling Street has been one of the most famous tourist attractions in Malaysia’s capital.

However, the area also suffers from being labelled a haven for counterfeit designer bags, shoes, watches and clothes.

Although it is officially Chinatown, many business owners prefer to hire cheap foreign labour to man shops and stalls, taking the shine off the quarter’s distinctive heritage.

It has also been placed on the US list of Notorious Markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy since 2018.

Businesses in Petaling Street are now trying to reverse this image, in the hope that it will lure more people to the area, more so as Malaysia prepares to reopen borders to international tourists come April 1.

However, some long-time business owners in the area don’t think being on the US list has much impact, since consumer demand drives the sale and production of counterfeit goods.

The same list also names China as the largest producer of fake goods.

Chong Yoke Yean, who runs the popular Ho Yoke Kee rice dumpling restaurant, said it was a long-known fact that Petaling Street sold fake Rolex watches and other similarly branded items before the Covid-19 pandemic, so being on the US list had not affected business much.

“It is a fact that there are counterfeit goods being sold here.

“The same is true for many markets around the world because there is a demand from customers,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

List or no list, tourists will not stay away from Petaling Street, since it is an iconic destination, he added.

Kuala Lumpur Hawkers and Petty Traders Association chairman Ang Say Tee said in the past 10 years, Petaling Street has been nicknamed “foreign labour street” and “counterfeit street”.

“If people want to call it that, there is nothing we can do. For our part, we can only move towards the goal of zero counterfeit and zero foreign labour policy to improve the situation,” Ang said.

“We can get rid of these stigmas with effort and co-operation from the businesses here.”

Only less than 10% of the vendors are pedalling fake goods, Ang added.

“In 2018, counterfeit stalls accounted for 30% of the businesses here.

“Thanks to the Covid pandemic only 10% are left.”

These counterfeit branded items stalls remain because there is still demand, although customers who favour fake brands are fewer in number now, Ang said.

Now, into the third year of the pandemic and with many economic activities adapting to life with the coronavirus, Ang said it is a timely opportunity to transform Petaling Street.

“I hope people will give us some time and we can welcome tourists back in the future with a clean reputation.”

Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun said a proposal for Petaling Street’s revamp has been submitted to Kuala Lumpur City Hall, but there have been no updates so far.

Fong said he had also discussed the area’s revamp with Ang.

“In addition to upgrading infrastructure, the stalls must be manned by locals.

“We are hoping to make Petaling Street a place that sells local specialities,” Fong said.

“You should be able to buy food and genuine local items here. The vendors here must move on from selling knock-offs.” – March 13, 2022.