- Home
- What...
What you should know about: Malaysia’s proposed ‘lemon law’ for cars
Malaysia is proposing a so-called “lemon law” that would provide vehicle buyers in the country more protection against faulty purchase, up to and including a full refund for cars falling below an acceptable standard of quality.
Why is this coming now?
- In the past five year, the government received 1,637 complaints on the quality of new and used cars that were just purchased.
- Malaysia already has similar laws but their limits are too low to cover new cars
- Hire-purchase agreements limit buyers’ legal standing to make claims in such dispute
Here is what we know from what the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has said and what is already in the Consumer Protection Act:
Wait, what are ‘lemons’?
The term “lemon” is an American colloquialism typically used to describe cars of such poor quality as to cause disappointment and the expression one would make from biting into a sour lemon.
What will a lemon law do?
On March 19, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali told Parliament the proposed law would grant further remedies to buyers of chronically faulty cars, such as repairs, replacements and part or full refunds.
Is this new?
According to Armizan, Malaysia actually has similar provisions to a “lemon law” in the Consumer Protection Act 1999, the Contracts Act 1950, the Sale of Goods Act 1957 and the Hire Purchase Act 1967.
For example, the Consumer Protection Act lets consumers seek redress for defective products up to full refunds, but its Consumer Claims Tribunal can only hear matters up to RM50,000 that is lower than most new cars today.
When will this ‘lemon’ law come?
On June 4, the ministry reportedly said it is aiming to introduce a Bill for such a law next March, and that an ongoing feasibility study would be complete in September.
Among other things, the ministry is looking at best practices in countries such as the US, Canada, Singapore and the Philippines.
Okay, so what happens in the meantime?
On June 4, Armizan said the ministry will carry out two interim measures. The first is a taskforce to arbitrate disputes over cars and motorcycles still within six months of their purchase date.
The second is to get Bank Negara Malaysia’s in securing consent letters from banks for buyers to make claims either in the Tribunal for Consumer Claims or court.
- https://www.msn.com/en-my/news/national/what-you-should-know-about-malaysia-s-proposed-lemon-law-for-cars/ar-BB1pmLIj?ocid=00000000
Related
Opposition MPs demand equality, reject RM100,000 allocation proposal
Lawmakers say the government is punishing innocent people who need welfare assistance.
NewsRural tourism and agriculture ticket for a thriving Kiulu, says Bangkuai
KOTA KINABALU: Rustic Kiulu, which sits on the foothills of Mount Kinabalu, is set to be Sabah's example of a thriving agricultural and rural tourism destination, says Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. Read full story
NewsStarmer goes informal at No10 press conference by mocking PM title
At his first press conference in No10, the PM said questioners could call him 'Keir' as he acknowledged that his government will be 'judged on actions not on words'.
NewsFadhlina pledges matric places for all 10A students
The education minister says no student would be left behind, and pleads for time to resolve the matriculation matter.
NewsHome is where the art is! How bungalow was transformed into a winner!
As a modern dream home, a suburban 1960s bungalow might not normally seem to tick many boxes. But despite its ordinary facade, a bungalow has been given a quirky makeover.
NewsPublic advised to stay away from Mersing waters due to the presence of dangerous gastropods
BATU PAHAT: Members of the public are advised to stay away from taking part in any water activities around the islands and beaches in Mersing following the presence of dangerous gastropods identified as Pteropods (Creseis Acicula) in the waters. Read full story
NewsHome minister says recovering 1MDB assets priority over Jho Low
PUTRAJAYA, July 6 — Home Minister Senator Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail today said the government is focusing on...
NewsThis is how to distinguish the real Putin from his doppelgangers
Vladimir Putin's travels cast doubt on the Russian president. Does he systematically use doubles to make state visits on his behalf? Even though the use of lookalikes and stand-ins has never been proven in the case of the current Russian president, this practice has long been commonplace in the USSR. Every time the Kremlin boss moves around, this theory resurfaces. For some, Vladimir Putin does not have just one double; he has several who are...
News