Tag Archives: KPDN

NEWS

All engine oils must have genuine certification from SIRIM starting April 7

Starting from April 7, the government will enforce the Trade Descriptions Order (Certification and Marking of Engine Oil for Motor Vehicles) 2024 in its efforts to curb the sale of counterfeit motor vehicle engine oil.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali stated that with this new order, consumers will be able to identify the sale of genuine motor vehicle engine oil, thus curbing the sale of counterfeit oil which can pose safety risks and lead to road accidents.

“This new order will be able to protect the the interests of motor vehicle engine oil product companies by curbing the risks of production of non-genuine products by irresponsible parties,” he said.

Armizan mentioned that any engine oil product, whether produced domestically or imported, must obtain genuine certification through SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd, which has been appointed as the responsible body to certify and issue product compliance labels for this purpose.

The government is allowing a six-month period for manufacturers to comply with the directives regarding the gazette order starting on October 11, 2024.

“KPDN in collaboration with SIRIM has been organising engagement programmes since 2022 involving almost all major players in the motor vehicle engine oil industry in the country. Strict action will be taken against any importing company, distributor, or seller who sells uncertified products and does not have valid compliance label from the authorities,” said Armizan.

NEWS

Special permit required to purchase diesel over standard limit – KPDN

The Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said that eligible individuals, small-scale companies, or organisations may apply for a special permit for the purchase of diesel exceeding the standard limit.

Armizan added that the special permit is solely for authorised uses and not for resale purposes.

“Applicants must submit a letter of confirmation from the relevant agency and apply through the Special Permit System available on the KPDN (Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living) portal.

“This includes agricultural and livestock purposes, with a quantity limit not exceeding 200 litres per day for purchases at petrol stations,” he said.

He noted that this facility has been outlined in the Guidelines for the Application of Controlled Goods Permits and Special Permits, which are administered under the authority of the Control of Supplies Act (Amendment) 2021.

NEWS

KPDN introduces two interim strategies ahead of the finalisation of Lemon Law

The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has introduced two interim strategies to protect consumers regarding the right to claim compensation, particularly for the purchase of motor vehicles, before the finalisation of new a new legal framework related to the Lemon Law.

According to KPDN Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, in collaboration with Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and banking institutions, these strategies involve establishing a standard operating procedure (SOP) to process applications for consent letters from consumers.

Additionally, banking institutions have been requested to set up a dedicated internal unit to receive and process any such applications.

“Starting from September 2, BNM has already issued a directive asking banks and other financial institutions to establish an SOP to allow consumers to apply for and obtain a consent letter.

“Following this cooperation, BNM has instructed banking institutions to implement both initiatives by December 3,” he stated.

These strategies are the government’s intervention initiatives aimed at ensuring that consumers have access to fair and effective resolution solutions before the Lemon Law is implemented.

Armizan noted that under the existing legislation, the platform for vehicle consumers to claim their rights is through the Malaysian Consumer Claims Tribunal (TTPM).

He added that through this strategy, consumers can seek solutions to issues they are facing, in line with the consumer protection principles in the country.

“From January to August this year, KPDN received 114 compensation claims for vehicles and 187 complaints involving used vehicles at TTPM were applied. Another 16 complaints have been referred to a special negotiation team as of January to September this year,” he said.

KPDN is currently studying the implementation and enforcement of legislation related to the Lemon Law in Malaysia, which provides redress rights to buyers of motor vehicle and other consumers goods to obtain remedies for products that repeatedly malfunction or fail to meet the quality and performance standards.

The remedies that consumers or buyers can claim under the Lemon Law include repairs, replacements, price reductions, or refunds.

NEWS

Diesel seizures drop 87 percent since subsidy rationalisation – KPDN

Since the implementation of the targeted diesel subsidy on June 10, diesel seizures have seen a decrease of 87 percent, said Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister.

Armizan said the downtrend is based on a comparison during the 20-day period before and after the implementation of the targeted diesel subsidy.

From May 20 to June 9, there were 65 cases of diesel seizures recorded, involving the seizure of 520,803 liters of diesel. However, from June 10 to June 30, statistics show that there were only 14 cases, involving 68,457 litres.

“The number of individuals arrested in the subsidised diesel cases also dropped during the same period that is from 40 people to just one person. This comparison shows a significant decrease in the number of cases,” he said.

Effective June 10, the government had set the retail price of diesel at RM3.35 per litre at all petrol stations throughout Peninsular Malaysia, while the retail price of the fuel for Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan remains at RM2.15 per litre.

However, Armizan said there was an increase in the RON95 petrol seizures with 37 cases, involving 17,064 litres of this fuel during the May 20 to June 9 period compared to 46 cases, involving the confiscation of 14,011 litres of this fuel, after the implementation of diesel subsidy targeting.

He also mentioned that the total number of arrests increased from 10 to 17 people for the same period.

To combat these activities, he said his team will continue to improve enforcement and monitoring activities on the misappropriation of controlled goods through the implementation of Ops Tiris 3.0 nationwide.

“Close cooperation with other enforcement agencies is also being held to tackle leakages comprehensively and effectively,” he added.