---
title: "Petronas Accused Of Copying Local Business’ Tote Bag Designs, Netizens Divided"
url: https://weirdkaya.com/petronas-accused-of-copying-local-business-tote-bag-designs-netizens-divided/
date: 2023-11-08
modified: 2023-12-27
lang: en
author: "Jann Firdaus"
description: "In a recent social media storm, X users ignited a fiery debate, accusing Petronas, the Malaysian oil and gas giant, of copying the bag designs of a local clothing company,..."
categories:
  - "Society"
tags:
  - "brands"
  - "idea"
  - "intellectual property"
  - "oh sebenar"
  - "Petronas"
  - "rip off"
  - "Small Business"
image: https://cdn.weirdkaya.com/media/link-preview-290-15-2.png
word_count: 386
---

# Petronas Accused Of Copying Local Business’ Tote Bag Designs, Netizens Divided

**In a recent social media storm, X users ignited a fiery debate, accusing Petronas, the Malaysian oil and gas giant, of copying the bag designs of a local clothing company, Oh Sebenar. **

The controversy has sparked concerns over the boundaries between creativity and coincidence, raising questions about the ethics of larger corporations emulating smaller businesses.

## Petronas accused of copying local business' tote bag designs

The alleged design theft came to light when eagle-eyed netizens noticed striking similarities between the bag designs of Petronas and Oh Sebenar.

![Petronas accused of copying local business](https://cdn.weirdkaya.com/media/img-4416.jpg)Screenshot from [X/@akmlhannani](https://twitter.com/akmlhannani/status/1721466624203739138)

Both bags sport a simple yet practical tote design with an extra-wide front flap, ideal for carrying items like yoga mats.

![Petronas accused of copying local business](https://cdn.weirdkaya.com/media/f-pdxdfbeaat-qr.jpeg)Screenshot from [X/@akmlhannani](https://twitter.com/akmlhannani/status/1721466624203739138)

While the bags share this functional feature, the key point of contention lies in the distinctive designs adorning them.

In a world where ideas can be easily shared and replicated, it's not uncommon for brands, big and small, to find themselves at odds over alleged design theft.

![Petronas accused of copying local business](https://cdn.weirdkaya.com/media/img-4415.jpg)Screenshot from [X/@akmlhannani](https://twitter.com/akmlhannani/status/1721466624203739138)

## Imitation or inspiration?

In this case, the X platform is abuzz with speculation, as users express their concerns and skepticism about Petronas's intentions.

However, some argue that the resemblance might not be a blatant act of imitation.

They point out that similar bag designs can be found elsewhere online, suggesting that the concept may not be entirely original or patented.

![Petronas accused of copying local business](https://cdn.weirdkaya.com/media/img-4420.jpg)Screenshot from [X/@akmlhannani](https://twitter.com/akmlhannani/status/1721466624203739138)

Many such products are often labeled as Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) items, typically mass-produced in Chinese factories at low costs.

![Petronas accused of copying local business](https://cdn.weirdkaya.com/media/img-4421.jpg)Screenshot from [X/@akmlhannani](https://twitter.com/akmlhannani/status/1721466624203739138)

These products are designed to be versatile, allowing any company or brand to personalise them with their own designs and logos for resale as their merchandise.

## The 'damage control' controversy

The netizen also suggests that by removing the bag photo from their website, deleting a TikTok comment with the phrase "creativity comes in many forms," and taking down an Instagram post featuring the bag, Petronas was engaged in what they perceive as damage control.

![Petronas accused of copying local business](https://cdn.weirdkaya.com/media/img-4414.jpg)Screenshot from [X/@akmlhannani](https://twitter.com/akmlhannani/status/1721466624203739138)

![Petronas accused of copying local business](https://cdn.weirdkaya.com/media/img-4417.jpg)Screenshot from [X/@akmlhannani](https://twitter.com/akmlhannani/status/1721466624203739138)

At the time of writing, Petronas has not yet responded to a request for comment from WeirdKaya seeking clarification on the issue.

You can read how it unfolds here:

https://twitter.com/akmlhannani/status/1721466624203739138

*While the source of inspiration for these two bags remains uncertain, this incident has underscored the significance of advocating for local artists and designers.*

**[Read also:](https://weirdkaya.com/msian-accuses-petronas-of-allowing-foreign-couple-to-cut-queue-petronas-apologises/)**

https://weirdkaya.com/msian-accuses-petronas-of-allowing-foreign-couple-to-cut-queue-petronas-apologises/

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