42 PER CENT CONSUMERS NOT AWARE OF THEIR RIGHTS

SHAH ALAM (Malaysia), March 18 (Bernama) -- Some 42 per cent of consumers in
Malaysia are not aware of their rights, including in claiming damages through
the consumer claims tribunal, Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism
Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said.

He said the percentage was obtained during a study involving 5,000
respondents last year.

"Based on the study, they have no idea on their rights nor the avenue for
redress should their rights are infringed," he told a news conference after
handing over a grant of RM500 (US$152) each to 117 Selangor school consumer
clubs here Thursday.

On the consumer claims tribunal, he said, many respondents were not aware
that they only need to pay RM5 to open a case with the tribunal and that they
also need not appoint a lawyer to handle the case.

There are 23 consumer claims tribunals nationwide with seven new ones in the
pipeline including one each in Selangor, Sabah and Pahang (three states in
Peninsular Malaysia).

He said consumers should utilise the facility provided by the tribunal.

"Last year 6,491 cases were brought up nationwide, with 97.17 having been
settled," he said.

Of the total, 44 per cent were solved through withdrawal of complaints after
both sides agreed to settle their cases outside the tribunal, 32.83 per cent
through awards after the complainants won cases, 16.82 per cent through
negotiations and 3.07 per cent rejected.

He said each case brought to the tribunal would need about 45 days to
dispose of.

All consumer claims tribunal at the moment are located at the ministry's
offices nationwide.

"The ministry is prepared to increase the number of tribunals if necessary,"
he said.

-- BERNAMA