MP pushes to extend consumer protection law to used cars, electronics

Zahari Kechik has urged the government to amend the Consumer Protection Act 1999 to broaden its scope beyond new products, contending that current protections leave buyers of used cars and electronics vulnerable to repeated failures and repair costs.

The Member of Parliament stressed that extending the law, commonly known as the "Lemon Law" framework, would enable consumers to seek compensation when purchased items suffer from persistent defects. Such protections are particularly important given the prevalence of the used goods market in Malaysia, where buyers often lack adequate recourse when products malfunction shortly after purchase.

Under expanded legislation, consumers would have clearer grounds to pursue claims against sellers and manufacturers when items fail to meet reasonable quality and durability standards. Kechik emphasized that swift legislative action is necessary to close existing gaps in consumer protection, particularly in sectors where defective goods can result in significant financial loss for buyers.

The proposal reflects growing concerns among Malaysian consumers about the adequacy of existing legal frameworks in protecting purchasers of pre-owned and electrical items, areas where disputes over product quality have become increasingly common.