KUALA LUMPUR: The awareness level among Malaysians regarding consumerism and their consumer rights is on the rise.
Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry said this following the increasing number of claims submitted to the Tribunal for Consumer Claims Malaysia (TCCM).
The ministry said there were 4,845 claims filed at TCCM in 2021; 7,109 in 2022 and 8,455 in 2023.
The claims include all categories of goods and services. Claims filed related to vehicles, include issues such as vehicle warranty, damage to vehicle spare parts, vehicle mileage, vehicle purchase deposit payments, and vehicle repairs among others.
"For the last three years, the number of claims filed to TCCM related to vehicle purchase stood at 637 claims in 2021; 1,105 claims in 2022 and 1,249 claims last year," the ministry said in a parliamentary written reply. The ministry said this in response to Datuk Rosol Wahid (PN-Hulu Terengganu).
Rosol asked about the number of claims lodged to TCCM related to vehicle purchase matters.
The ministry added; "The government will continue to develop advocacy programmes to empower consumers to utilise TCCM as a compensation claims forum."
TCCM is an independent body established under Section 85, Part XII of The Consumer Protection Act 1999 (Act 599). The primary objective of the establishment of the TCCM is to provide an alternative channel for consumers to file a claim for redress in a convenient, inexpensive and speedy manner.