Govt should consider introducing Lemon Law for defective products, says consumer group

PETALING JAYA: According to a consumers group, there are car owners who are facing multiple repairs on their vehicles that are less than a year old, emphasizing the importance of stronger laws to protect buyers on World Consumer Rights Day (March 15).

The National Consumer Complaints Centre, as highlighted by its CEO Datuk Indrani Thuraisingham, continues to receive complaints about defects on new vehicles and the substandard quality of automobile parts.

Thuraisingham shared that numerous cases involved new cars needing frequent repairs at service centers within a year, causing frustration among consumers. Despite being advised to seek help from the Consumer Complaints Tribunal, many were disappointed with the outcomes.

An alternative approach suggested by the group is the implementation of a lemon law, granting consumers the right to one-to-one replacements or price reductions for persistently defective products, rather than subjecting them to continuous repairs.

This law is designed to protect consumers who purchase items with a lifespan exceeding six months, such as cars, allowing them to claim for products that repeatedly fail to meet quality and performance standards.

Several countries including the United States, Singapore, South Korea, China, and the Philippines have adopted lemon laws to safeguard consumer rights.

Indrani, the Vice-President and legal advisor for the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca), emphasized the necessity for stronger regulations to protect Malaysian consumers’ rights, citing the limitations of the current Consumer Protection Act 1999 which is supplementary to other laws.

She noted the contrast with countries like India where the Consumer Protection Act is primary legislation, providing more robust consumer protection encompassing various products and services.

Indrani also highlighted the challenges consumers face in identifying the appropriate regulatory body for certain goods and services, such as wellness treatments, which may fall under different jurisdictions, complicating redressal processes.

She pointed out the complexity of regulations overseeing industries like pawnshops and unregistered contractors, urging for clearer guidelines and a consolidated approach to enhance consumer protection in Malaysia.