Authors : Zeti Zuryani Mohd Zakuan, Rahmah Ismail, Sakina Shaik Ahmad Yusoff and Ruzian Markom
Abstract: Consumers as the largest economic group play an important role in the government economic decision making. Two third of all spending in the economy is by the consumers, thus, they deserve protection when dealing with the traders. Currently, substantive law is the best protection available to the consumer. However, substantive law alone is not enough. Effective consumer redress mechanism should be established to enable consumer to channel their claims against the traders. The need to have consumer redress mechanism in handling consumer matters is due to the importance of consumers to the economy of the country. Consumer needs a specific court with experienced judges in the field of consumerism. Most consumer disputes involve trader who is well verse with the law and capable of employing lawyers specialising in the specific areas of law as opposed to consumer who is a first timer and knows nothing about his rights. By having the specific court, consumers will be well treated by the system. Based on doctrinal research and by applying content analysis method, this study will review small claims court and Malaysia Tribunal for consumer claim in providing redress to consumers in Malaysia. By looking at the situation in Thailand, the study propose the establishment of consumer court, so that consumers are able to be relieved promptly and effectively from the damage suffered.
Zeti Zuryani Mohd Zakuan, Rahmah Ismail, Sakina Shaik Ahmad Yusoff and Ruzian Markom, 2015. Consumer Court: Towards a Better Consumer Protection in Malaysia. International Business Management, 9: 1495-1499.