THE Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDN) has announced plans to conduct a feasibility study on implementing a Lemon Law in Malaysia. This legislation aims to empower consumers to seek redress if their purchased vehicles do not meet quality standards or performance criteria as promised by the supplier.
KPDN Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali stated that once the study is completed, a policy decision will be made at the ministry level before implementing the legal framework.
“Once the study is completed, a policy decision will be made at the ministry level before the legal framework is carried out,” he said in a written reply on Friday (March 8).
This announcement came in response to a question posed by Ayer Hitam MP Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong regarding the government’s consideration of drafting a lemon law for the automotive industry.
The Lemon Law, a consumer protection measure primarily targeting motor vehicles, enables purchasers to seek remedies such as price reduction or refund if their products repeatedly fail to meet quality and performance standards. Several countries, including the US, Singapore, South Korea, China, and the Philippines have already adopted similar laws.
“Among the claims consumers and buyers can make under the legislation are repairs, replacements, discounts or being remunerated,” added Armizan.
He also noted that the existing Consumer Protection Act 1999 (Act 599) allows consumers to seek compensation from suppliers or manufacturers if products do not meet specified guarantees.
“Malaysian consumers can be assured to obtain reasonable quality items and claim compensation if their purchases do not abide by the guarantees stipulated in Act 599.” – March 8, 2024
Main photo credit: Utusan
