UMT | Portal Rasmi Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Consumer rights and protection now clearer

Consumer rights and protection now clearer

Monday, 15/02/2021

Share This Article :

Kuala Nerus, 15 Feb. – Consumers must be careful when buying products especially medical items and medical devices during the Covid-19 pandemic because some manufacturers try to make quick income by selling dangerous products. A book recently published can help consumers understand legal claims against manufacturers when there are serious injuries or side effects from using defective products.

The book that was launched by Dato’ Rosol Wahid, Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, was written by Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) lecturer Dr Fahirah Syaliza Mokhtar and Assoc. Prof. Dr Rahmah Ismail based on findings from their research on medical products, in particular the liability of medical product manufacturers under Consumer Protection Act 1999.

Dato’ Rosol in his speech urged the consumers to be more careful when making purchases during the pandemic especially those purchases involving medical items and devices.

“I have examined the content of the book Medical Product Liability under Consumer Protection Act 1999,” he said.

“Realizing how easy it is for consumers to be deceived by promotions and advertisements that overclaim the effectiveness of certain products, the Ministry is conducting a study to improve the National Consumer Policy drafted in 2002 and Consumer Master Plan drafted in 2003 to ensure that they reflect the current situation, remain relevant, and can protect the interest of the consumers in the country.

“Make sure that purchased health products have been approved by Malaysian Ministry of Health and the labels displayed are genuine and valid.

“Any complaints can be channeled to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs through provided medium such as WhatsApp, toll-free number, and others.”

Dr Fahirah Syaliza explained the necessary method if an individual wishes to lodge a complaint and a claim on a purchased product. “For a claim under Consumer Protection Act 1999, a consumer must provide three forms of evidence. First, the product has a defect, whether manufacturing, design, labeling, or development defect. Secondly, the consumer has experienced a serious injury or a side effect. Thirdly, the consumer must prove that the injury was caused by the defective product,” she said.

Meanwhile, UMT Vice Chancellor Prof. Dato’ Dr Nor Aieni Mokhtar said that the publication of the book is in line with the government’s aspiration.

“The publication of this book is in accordance with the government’s aim and inspiration of turning Malaysia into a country that has liability laws that benefit consumers so that it can meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16, which is Promote just, peaceful, and inclusive societies,” she said.

 

Published by

Corporate Communication Centre
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu