Got a lemon car? Here’s what you can do through consumer tribunal

IT can be frustating when our newly purchased car still smells like a store and is already problematic. To worsen the situation, if the manufacturer or sales representative refuses to take responsibility, we feel like “rubbing salt into the wound.”

Do not worry, do not feel alone. Did you know that you can actually report or file a claim with the Consumer Claims Tribunal?

Many may have heard about this tribunal, but do they know how to actually file a claim? As consumers or buyers, we have our own rights under the law.

So in this article, let’s look at some frequently asked questions about the consumer tribunal and how you can assert your rights as an aggrieved buyer.

The objective of the Consumer Claims Tribunal, according to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs website, is as follows:

1. To provide an alternative forum to the civil court for consumers to make compensation claims related to goods or services affordably, easily, and quickly.
2. To hear and adjudicate claims freely, fairly, and impartially.
3. To develop laws regarding consumer protection.

How do you make a claim if the car or product you bought has issues that are not your fault? There are two ways, either personally go to any Consumer Claims Tribunal counter nationwide, or file online through the portal https://ttpm.kpdn.gov.my. Each application filed will incur a fee of RM5.00.

According to the website, the tribunal has the authority to hear:

1. Claims for compensation for purchases of goods and services allowed under the tribunal’s jurisdiction as specified under Act 599;
2. Claims with amounts not exceeding RM50,000.00; and
3. Claims accrued within three years from the claim.

Does the tribunal have legal authority to investigate consumer complaints? The Consumer Claims Tribunal does not have the legal authority under Act 599 to act on any complaints. The tribunal is an alternative forum to the civil court for consumers to bring compensation claims against sellers/manufacturers and service providers for purchases allowed under Act 599.

What is a judicial review? Every award made by the Tribunal under subsections 112(2) and 107(3) of Act 599 is final and binding on all parties to the proceedings as stated under section 116 of Act 599. However, parties dissatisfied with the tribunal’s award may apply for a Judicial Review at the High Court.

We hope the information we have shared can help you to some extent if you are facing consumer issues. Let’s fight for our rights as consumers together!