8 Consumer Rights Many Malaysians Are Probably Unaware They Have

Shopping is often a fun way for Malaysians to release stress. Finally getting that new dress or new pair of kicks you’ve been eyeing is probably the most liberating thing you’ve felt in awhile. However, have you ever bought something home and it doesn’t work like how it’s supposed to or it looks completely different from the packaging? What do you do in these sorts of situations?

Well, here are some important consumer rights you should know as stated in the Consumer Protection Act 1999:

1. Products cannot be oversold or advertised in such a way that it mislead consumers

Source: ayathebook

Have you ever been fooled into believing those overly ons ads that show you a product that looks super cool and can supposedly do 2,938,103 different tasks but when you actually buy the item it’s just downright disappointing? Good news though! Overselling something and misleading the public into believing a product is better, cooler, or more useful than it actually is, is actually against the law as stated in Section 9 of the act.

2. If you’re told you’ll receive a free gift, you MUST get that free gift

Source: sg. Carousell

Some things we buy from the mall states clearly on the packages that a free gift can be found in the packaging or redeemed at the counter after purchase. If you do happen to not receive this free gift, it’s your right to complain and request for your free gift. This is stated clearly in Section 14 of the act.

3. The seller MUST inform buyers if the product has been used or reconditioned before

Source: pinterest

Especially when it comes to buying something online, or even a secondhand car, if it’s been used or overhauled before, the seller must inform you, as stated in Section 10.

4. Sellers who advertise certain products at a discounted rate must be able to supply a reasonable quantity of the product

Source: live mint

Malaysians love discounted stuff. Whenever a sale is on, you can expect that shop to be packed to the brim, especially if the the sale was promoted on our social media platforms. Well, shops that do advertise certain sales are required to ensure that they’re actually able to provide a reasonable amount of the product for its buyers. If not, it must state otherwise.

5. Sellers cannot claim to have limited goods to attract buyers

Source: thanh nien

Have you ever rushed to buy something because it was apparently the last piece or last size left? It’s only normal right? Especially if it’s something we want. Sometimes even when we don’t really need that item, we buy it anyway just because we’re told it’s the last one. Well, if you think a seller is tricking customers into buying their products by saying it will be sold out soon, you have a right to complain! It’s unethical to trick customers into thinking the product is limited, as stated in Section 15.

6. Consumers can expect products to be of acceptable quality

Source: imca

Regardless how cheap the item is, according to Section 32, it should be of acceptable quality where it is fit for the purpose it is meant for, acceptable in appearance, free from minor defects, safe and durable as well. 

If a product is not of acceptable quality, it must be discounted (with a sign that states its defects), if not, as a consumer, you have a right to return or exchange the product.

7. Repair and supply of spare parts for products bought by consumers are an implied guarantee

Source: dreamstime

Based on Section 37 (1), anything you buy is supposed be repaired by the manufacturer within a reasonable period of time. This is true unless the supplier states otherwise.

8. A consumer has the right to reject and return goods that fail to comply with the purpose it was meant for

Source: cyber glory

According to Section 46, a consumer can reject these goods and choose to get a refund or exchange the item with something else of the same value. Either way, you can return your items. It’s your right!

The next time you go shopping, make sure to keep all this in mind! Additionally, you can read up on the full list of consumer rights here!

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