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STRENTHENING CONSUMER PROTECTION IN MALAYSIA

Mohamed Iqbal b Mohd shafi

HIQ TRAINING AND CONSULTANCY

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OUTLINE OF PRESENTATION
1. Definition of consumer 2. What does consumer protection mean 3. Who is responsible for consumer protection in Malaysia 4. How is consumer protection being carried out 5. What can be done to strengthen consumer protection

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A. Misleading and deceptive conduct,False representation and Unfair practice Bait advertising Gifts, prizes, free offers Claim that goods are limited Demanding payment without intending to supply Future services contract B. Safety of goods and services C. Consumer Guarantees D. Claims against manufacturers and suppliers of goods and services E. Tribunal for Consumer Claims PENALTY: Corporate:RM250,000500,000 Individual:RM100,000250,000 Jail term 3-6 years
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NATIONAL CONSUMER POLICY

Launched on 26th of July 2002 Sets out consumer protection strategies: To raise the standard of living Laws to protect consumers Fair and ethical trade Consumer education Sustainable consumption Redressal mechanisms Consumer forum between government,manufacturers and consumers International cooperation in consumer matters
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Definition of consumer
A consumer is a person who acquires goods or services for personal, domestic or household purpose, use or consumption. He does not acquire them for trade, for use in manufacturing or to be repaired and sold in trade
S.3 Interpretation Consumer Protection Act 1999

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What does consumer protection mean

To the ordinary man in the street it means that he should be protected from:
ever increasing prices for goods and services shortages of essential goods price manipulation by cartels and monopolies unethical and dishonest businesses poor quality goods and poor quality service

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It also means that his rights as a consumer are protected namely:

1. THE RIGHT TO BASIC NEEDS 2. THE RIGHT TO SAFETY 3. THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION 4. THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE 5. THE RIGHT TO REPRESENTATION 6. THE RIGHT TO REDRESS 7. THE RIGHT TO CONSUMER EDUCATION 8. THE RIGHT TO A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT Please refer to the handout provided
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Who is responsible for consumer protection in Malaysia

1. Government- Ministry of Domestic Trade,Cooperatives and Consumerism (www.mdtcc.gov.my) a. legislation b. consumer education c. developing consumer organizations d. research 2. Consumer organizations a. FOMCA b. PPIM

c. CAP

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PRICE CONTROL ACT 1946

CONTROL OF SUPPLIES ACT 1961

TRADE DESCRIPTIONS ACT 1972

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ACT 1972

CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS

HIRE PURCHASE ACT 1967

DIRECT SELLING ACT 1993

CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT 1999

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How is consumer protection being carried out

1. Enforcement of consumer laws 2. Introducing new laws,amending old laws 3. Education programs for women, schools,promoting school consumer clubs, university students, seminars and conventions 4. Consumer organizations-grants, smart partnerships, joint programs 5. Research into consumer problems 6. Redress mechanisms
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Redress Mechanism
a. The Court System b. The Tribunal for Consumer Claims c. The Tribunal for Homebuyer Claims d. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADRs)

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What can be done to strengthen consumer protection

Consistent and continuous enforcement Consumer education from primary school up to university level Strengthen school consumer clubs Start sustainable consumption at school Train teachers with a standard consumer training module
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Carry out basic research into important consumer issues Use relevant research already available at universities Set-up one stop consumer centres Coordinate consumer programs with relevant government agencies Build up consumer NGOs through bigger grants,standardized reference material and staff training

PLAN-IMPLEMENT-EVALUATE
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INDUSTRY SPENDS BILLIONS ON TV ADVERTISING TO INFLUENCE CONSUMERS PURCHASING AND CONSUMPTION HABITS AT THE BRAND AND CATEGORY LEVEL

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THANK YOU

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