Question 1

What is the "Gaya Street Sunday Market Counterfeit Goods" scam in Kota Kinabalu?

Accepted Answer

Gaya Street Sunday Market, the largest outdoor market in Sabah held every Sunday morning, has sections where vendors sell counterfeit outdoor gear, electronics accessories, and local handicrafts misrepresented as authentic tribal pieces. Items labeled as Kadazan-Dusun or Iban crafts are frequently mass-produced imports from elsewhere in Southeast Asia. If authenticity matters, buy tribal crafts from Sabah Tourism Board-listed heritage craft shops or the Sabah Museum gift shop rather than street market vendors. Inspect electronic accessories carefully before paying.

Question 2

What is the "Counterfeit Goods at Waterfront Markets" scam in Kota Kinabalu?

Accepted Answer

The Filipino Market (Pasar Filipina) near the waterfront and the weekend Gaya Street market sell counterfeit branded goods including watches, sunglasses, clothing, and electronics at prices that suggest authenticity. While many vendors are open about selling replica goods, some actively claim items are genuine and price them accordingly. Pearl jewelry at the Filipino Market is frequently artificially treated or misrepresented as natural. Treat all branded goods at street markets as replicas regardless of claims made by vendors. For pearl jewelry, ask for a written guarantee of natural pearl origin and independent verification if paying significant prices. Do not pay brand-genuine prices for market-sourced goods.

Street Scams in Kota Kinabalu

Gaya Street Sunday Market Counterfeit Goods

Counterfeit Goods at Waterfront Markets

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