In a family dispute sparked by a copyright infringement, Faiz Rice Sdn Bhd was today ordered to pay damages totalling RM4.25 million to Sykt Faiza Sdn Bhd.

The quantum comprises compensatory damages of RM3.9 million, statutory damages of RM100,000, another RM100,000 in exemplary and aggravated damages, as well as RM60,000 in special damages – or RM10,000 each for the six brands of rice which violated the copyright.

The order was made by Justice Wong Kian Kheong at the Kuala Lumpur High Court today.

Two years ago, Wong had found that Faiz Rice had violated copyright laws resulting in loss of income for Faiza.

Faiza and its managing director Faiza Bawumi Sayed Ahmad had sued Faiz Rice for infringement of their copyright.

Faiz Rice is owned by Faiza's second son, Fikri Abu Bakar. 

Wong only set damages today, fixing June 26 to determine costs. 

This is the first award of statutory copyright damages in Malaysian history. 

Statutory copyright damages are given to claimants who succeed with claims of infringement.

In his 2016 judgment, Wong noted that from the testimony of the witnesses that Faiz Rice had affected Faiza's business. 

The judge also found Faiza to be a credible witness, after she reproduced a WhatsApp message she sent Fikri.

"Greetings Fikri, mama wants to speak to you. I know that you are trading rice, but do not copy the brand name Faiza.

"You are smart... use your own name and logo. This is not proper. Is this proper what you did?

"Mama would not support nor would be pleased with such action. Don't tell me I did not remind you," the message read.