'Lemon law' feasibility study to be carried out this year, says ministry

Source: The Star

PETALING JAYA: A feasibility study on the Lemon Law will be carried out this year, says the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry.

Its Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali (pic) said the legislation would empower consumers to claim for losses if their purchased vehicles broke down or failed to abide by quality standards or performance criteria as stated by their supplier.

"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).

Armizan was responding to a question by Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Hitam).

Dr Wee had asked whether the government was considering drafting a lemon law towards the automotive industry as a means to protect consumers.

The MCA president also asked about the latest developments in the feasibility study for the legislation.

A Lemon Law is a remedy for purchasers of consumer products, particularly motorised vehicles, that repeatedly fail to meet the standards of quality and performance.

A consumer may request for a reduction in price or a refund under this law.

The United States, Singapore, South Korea, China and the Philippines are among countries that have adopted a lemon law.

Armizan added that among the claims consumers and buyers can make under the legislation are repairs, replacements, discounts or being remunerated.

He also pointed out that the Consumer Protection Act 1999 (Act 599) allowed consumers to claim compensation from suppliers or manufacturers if a purchased product failed to abide by the determined 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," he said.