MP pushes to expand consumer protection for faulty used cars, appliances

Zahari Kechik has called for amendments to the Consumer Protection Act 1999 that would broaden the scope of Malaysia's lemon law protections beyond new vehicles to encompass used cars and electrical appliances. Under the proposed changes, consumers would gain the right to seek compensation when products prove defective on multiple occasions, establishing clearer remedies for persistently faulty goods. The move aims to address gaps in current consumer protection frameworks that leave purchasers of used vehicles and household appliances with limited recourse when items fail repeatedly despite repair attempts. Zahari's proposal signals growing concern among policymakers about consumer vulnerabilities in the secondhand goods market, where buyers often lack the same protections available for new purchases. If implemented, the amendments would represent a significant expansion of consumer safeguards and establish clearer standards for product quality and manufacturer responsibility across a wider range of goods commonly purchased by Malaysian households.