High quality replica designer handbags being sold openly in JB

JOHOR BARU - Michael Kors, Coach, Burberry, Polo Ralph Lauren and Salvatore Ferragamo.

These are the brands that can be found at Johor Premium Outlets (JPO) in Kulaijaya here and the prices of the handbags range between RM999 (S$404) and RM2,999.

However, about 30km away, at the main entry point into Malaysia, these same "handbags" are being sold at a fraction of the price for only RM69.90.

There are at least four makeshift kiosks selling fake goods at JB Sentral, next to the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex.

Checks by The Star showed that a Burberry handbag is priced at RM2,647 at JPO but a fake one, which is almost similar to the real one, is sold for only RM69.90 at JB Sentral.

To the average customer, these bags and purses look authentic as they even come with their own ID card similar to the real ones.

Other major brands that can be found include Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Georgio Armani, Hermes and Gucci.

The fakes, which are brought in from Korea and China, are sold between RM69 and RM169, depending on the size.

A salesman, who declined to be named, said for students and those who do not follow the trends as much, such goods were an alternative. Business was good as he sold about 10 bags daily.

"These goods are brought in four times a year, much like the original ones where designs differ from season to season," he said.

Lynn, a salesgirl at a shop selling fake items at JB Sentral, said people were picky when buying fake goods as they wanted value for their money.

She said most of the customers were Malaysians working in Singapore, adding that the five stalls belonged to one company and obtained their supply from Korea as the items looked more "authentic" than those manufactured in China.

"Our handbags are AA grade, which is the industry standard for affordable high quality replica designer handbags catering to individuals who want to keep up with the trends but are on a budget," she said.

"We usually give customers 10% to 30% discount if they ask for it and will be given more if they buy more items."