Latest news with #Hire-PurchaseAct1967
New Straits Times
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Thuggish repo agent caught on video loses permit
KUALA LUMPUR: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) will take stern action against car repossession agents who intimidate motorists or behave like thugs on highways. This follows a recent viral incident involving a registered repossession agent along the North-South Expressway near the Pedas-Linggi lay-by. In a statement, KPDN's Enforcement Division said the agent involved has been identified. The agent cooperated with police, and action has already been taken. The ministry added that the agent's permit would be revoked for breaching the code of ethics and existing regulations, and all permit holders are required to comply with strict guidelines, including not using force during the repossession process. "According to records, a total of 3,869 valid repossession agent permit holders are registered nationwide through the MyEPS system. "They are subject to strict rules under the Hire-Purchase Act 1967 (Act 212)," the statement said. Among the mandatory conditions are not entering premises without permission or a court order, showing identification and relevant documentation to the hirer, allowing reasonable time for the removal of personal belongings, taking photographic documentation of the vehicle's condition, preparing an inventory list, and lodging a police report within 24 hours after a vehicle is repossessed. "Any form of violence or intimidation during the repossession process is a serious violation and may result in permit revocation and legal action," the ministry added. Between Jan 1, 2022 and June 25, 2025, KPDN carried out 762 inspections on repossession agents, with four enforcement actions taken under Act 212. A total of 27 complaints were received over the same period. Although the number of cases is not high, the ministry said preventive measures are being intensified, including public awareness campaigns to help consumers understand their rights when dealing with repossession agents. The public are also asked to channel information via the Kita Gempur initiative, including through WhatsApp at 019-848 8000, the e-complaint portal at the call centre at 1-800-886-800, or the Ez ADU KPDN mobile app.
New Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Lemon law on the table to protect car buyers
KUALA LUMPUR: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry has drafted a cabinet paper proposing amendments to the Consumer Protection Act 1999 to include "lemon law" provisions, aimed at bolstering consumer rights in the automotive industry. Deputy Minister Fuziah Salleh told the New Straits Times that the paper will be submitted for policy approval at the cabinet level before amendments to the act are implemented. She said the ministry is currently obtaining feedback from relevant ministries and agencies, such as the Finance Ministry, the Attorney-General's Chambers, Economy Ministry, Transport Ministry and Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry. Fuziah said this follows the completion of a six-month legal study on lemon law, conducted from June to November last year. The study was initiated to assess and recommend the necessary steps to be taken to enhance consumer protection in the automotive industry. "Based on the findings of the study, the ministry concluded that there is a need to establish a specific legal framework such as a lemon law to address issues and limitations related to consumer protection in the automotive industry. "Since the Consumer Protection Act already provides mechanisms for remedies and dispute resolution in line with the fundamental principles of lemon law, the ministry is of the view that it is appropriate for these legal principles to be integrated through amendments to the act. "This would strengthen the existing provisions and establish new regulations that will outline more detailed procedures or mechanisms for dispute resolution, particularly for compensation claims involving new vehicles. "Integrating these principles through amendments to the act is seen as a practical and effective approach," she said. Currently, there are four existing legislations with lemon law features namely the Consumer Protection Act, the Contract Act, the Sale of Goods Act and Hire-Purchase Act 1967.
