A lemon law protects consumers who buy products that have a lifespan of more than six months, such as cars, to address the issue of existing damage as well as the possibility of an accident and to make a claim for a defective product.

Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi said this was important as it would protect consumers from becoming victims of fraud or having to bear losses when buying used vehicles.

He said based on statistics, from January to August this year, a total of 1,126 cases related to the sale and purchase of used vehicles were recorded by the consumer claims tribunal (TTPM).

“As proposed by consumer associations, including FMCCAM (the Federation of Motor and Credit Companies Associations Malaysia), the ministry should enhance existing legislation including introducing a lemon law.

“At the ministry level, we have discussed (the proposed law) and we are gathering industry input,” he told a press conference after the launch of the AutoGen Plus extended warranty programme for used car owners here today.

Commenting on the extended warranty programme, Nanta said KPDNHEP supported any industry player who was prepared to improve the used car sector, especially in terms of consumer protection.

As such, he lauded the move to introduce the eAutoGen extended warranty programme.

“The programme covers two key areas – the visibility of the used-car condition through inspection and ensuring the car is maintained, and, the most important value-added point, the assistance to repair for a major breakdown involving transmission and engine,” he said.

Nanta pointed out that the effort would help boost domestic trade and provide better consumer protection, thus increasing trust, safety and confidence between buyers and sellers.