MALAYSIA, PUTRAJAYA: The government wants Malaysia to be struck off the United States' watch list on copyright infringement.

Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said he had spoken with the US deputy secretary of trade on the matter early last month and had written to the Obama administration recently.

Malaysia is among the 33 countries on the watch list since 2003 for failing to protect US music, movies and other copyrighted material from being pirated.

Twelve other nations on the list include China, Russia, Canada and India.

Ismail Sabri said although it did not directly affect the country's economy and trade, being on the list was still a dent in the country's image.

It was previously reported that being on the watch list would subject the countries to extra scrutiny and could lead to economic sanctions if the US government decides to bring trade cases before the World Trade Organisation.

"There are several factors why we are still on the list, among them is the lack of public awareness, enforcement and legal action."

-New Straits Times