IT is crucial for Malaysian consumers to know their rights under the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), and seek legal advice if they encounter defective products.
At the same time, stronger legislation, like Lemon Laws, are needed to better protect consumers.
But what about preventing such situations in the first place? This is where ISO specifications come into play.
Following ISO 9001 ensures that manufacturers maintain the quality of products, meaning consumers are more likely to get reliable cars.
For safer vehicles, ISO 26262 focuses on safety features like brakes and airbags.
Meanwhile, ISO 14001 reduces environmental impact through waste management, benefiting consumers and the environment. ISO 45001 ensures safe working conditions, indirectly affecting product quality and consumer safety. ISO 50001 leads to energy-efficient vehicles, saving consumers money on fuel and reducing environmental harm.
Overall, adhering to these standards, along with others in the industry means consumers get good-quality, safer and more environmentally friendly vehicles, improving their overall experience and satisfaction.
This means a lower chance of anyone ending up with a defective product.
However, even with ISO standards in place, cars can still have defects. Perhaps a certain batch of parts was faulty, or there was a glitch in the manufacturing process.
In such cases, a Lemon Law acts as a safety net for consumers. For example, a consumer who purchased a new car in Malaysia and encountered persistent issues with the air conditioning system.
Is it justified for a car to get more than 10 repairs within just six months, seeks resolution under the CPA, yet still exhibits problems even after final repairs? This demonstrates the manufacturer and the law's inadequate support.
Consumers may find themselves stuck with a defective product, feeling frustrated and cheated out of their money.
In Malaysia, the absence of Lemon Laws leaves consumers vulnerable to the risks associated with defective products. It's time to recognise the importance of implementing Lemon Laws, not just for cars but for all consumer goods.
The introduction of Lemon Laws would hold manufacturers accountable for the quality of their products. Manufacturers would be obliged to take responsibility, and consumers will not be left grappling with subpar products.
Moreover, Lemon Laws would compel manufacturers to establish robust internal quality assurance and quality control mechanisms to detect and address defects before products reach consumers.
SARAL JAMES MANIAM
Secretary-General,
Malaysian Association of Standards Users,
Petaling Jaya, Selangor