Pirated copies of the new "Star Wars" film have gone on sale here ahead of its official opening and the movie's official distributor Twentieth Century Fox Monday expressed fear that it would affect business.

"Yes, we are aware that pirated copies hit the streets Sunday. Sure, it will affect sales in the cinema," Chow Will Pin, director of Twentieth Century Fox Malaysia, told AFP .

"I hope the enforcement agencies will crack down on those behind it," he said.

"Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones" opens in Malaysia on Thursday.

But Chow said true fans would want to watch the film on the big screen.

"Fans will come to the cinema for a better experience," he said.

His view was echoed by Star Wars fan Lilian Lim, 29, who said she would not buy a pirated copy even though she was approached by peddlers.

"Star Wars is the kind of movie you just have to watch on the big screen. The magic will really be diminished if you watch a bad pirated copy," she said.

Piracy continues to flourish in Malaysia despite a crackdown by authorities.

Enforcement officials Monday arrested two drivers after they were caught transporting thousands of illegal VCD copies of top films including the new "Star Wars".