What a surprise I had when I went to Bangsar Baru in Kuala Lumpur for dinner with some friends recently.

After dinner and while we were strolling down to the night market area, I noticed a proper shop selling Digital Video Discs (DVDs) and Compact Discs (CDs). When I queried, they were actually selling pirated DVDs and VCDs between RM9 and RM15.

I was told by my friends that this shop has been operating there for more than a year now. What is more surprising is that this shop is less then 30 metres away from the Bangsar Baru 'Pondok Polis' (police beat station). And when I walked not too far off from this shop, then there was another shop of the same nature.

What is there a big fuss by the government to crack down on pirated movies when you can open a shop in one of the busiest areas in town and openly sell pirated DVDs? Why waste enforcement effort and taxpayers money by coming up with all sorts of activities to get rid of these pests?

Are you telling me that the top enforcement officials are not aware of this? Can someone tell me that there is no corruption involved here and that these shops have legal licences to sell pirated movies?

If that is the case, then please let me know how to get a licence to sell 'illegal pirated movies' legally as I am sure I could make a pretty penny for myself too.

Out of control - this is all I can say about any type of enforcement and the level of corruption in Malaysia. No idea what Pak Lah has done in his first year in office but judging from the ground, I guess nothing much.