The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has lauded Malaysia's efforts in fighting against piracy and protecting intellectual property rights.

In a statement available here Tuesday, the MPA highlighted a raid conducted by Malaysian police earlier this month, in which six VCD (video compact disc) replicating lines were seized and four suspects were arrested.

"The seizure of six replicating machines by the Royal Malaysia Police sends a strong message to copyright pirates that Malaysia is making a strong commitment to intellectual protection, and is determined to fight hard against the pirates who so badly damage the country's economy and reputation," said MPA's Asia Pacific senior vice president and regional director Mike Ellis.

The MPA is committed to fully supporting Malaysian law enforcement agencies in their anti-piracy efforts, Ellis said.

In 2006, Malaysian law enforcement authorities seized or sealed 14 DVD (Digital Video Disc) and 11 VCD replicating machines that were suspected of having been used to manufacture pirated optical discs, said the statement.

The seized machines were capable of producing more than 87 million pirated discs in a year, it added.

The MPA is the international counterpart of the Motion Picture Association of America. It has its headquarters based in Los Angeles, the United States, and has its Asia Pacific office in Singapore.

Source: Xinhua