Ministry mulls over lemon law or amendments by March 2025

Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said that his ministry is looking into introducing a lemon law or amend existing ones to provide legal remedy for consumers who purchase defective vehicles in March 2025.

The ministry has roped in a consultant to undertake engagements with various stakeholders for the next three months.

“They will then produce a comprehensive report which the ministry will rely on to decide whether we need a specific lemon law or merely need to amend existing ones,” he said.

A lemon law provides a legal remedy for consumers who purchase defective vehicles, whether new or used, that fail to fulfil quality and performance criteria within a specified time frame.

The US, Singapore, South Korea, China and the Philippines are among the countries that have adopted a similar lemon law.

Armizan said Malaysia has several laws that contained similar elements to a lemon law, including the Consumer Protection Act 1999, the Contracts Act 1950, the Sale of Goods Act 1957, and the Hire-Purchase Act 1967.

Three months ago, Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan (PH-DAP) raised the issue of lemon law in the Dewan Rakyat’s special chambers.