Consumer Protection is not as strong here as compared to the Western World. It is not my intention to explore into this issue but more of sharing what I have learned recently regarding this issue. I am sure many of us, have seen the statement like "Goods sold are Not Refundable" or "No Refund Once Sold" being stamped or printed on the invoices or receipts. Some sort of Exclusion Clause to the transaction between a customer and merchant.
I was told by a lawyer friend that as long as the 'Goods' sold or purchased are for your own use, or home use and not for business, then the Exclusion Statement is of no effect! As for why only applicable to own use I did not enquire further. This means that as long as the item is defective, irregardless of what was stated on your receipt or invoice this Exclusion Statement, it is your legal right to ask for a refund from the merchant!
How many times in the past that we were told by the merchant that there is no refund and at best they either repair the item for you or exchange for another but you cannot ask for a refund for your money! Now most people would be happy with a replacement or repair just to avoid the hassel of asking for the money back. Afterall you must have needed that thing otherwise you would not have purchased it. However, if you have a defective item, you just don't feel so good isn't it? Its suppose to be brand new and working! Then why asked for a money refund? I guess most probably you loose confidence in that particular Brand!
Anyway what if the merchant refused to entertain your request? It seems, you can go to the Small Claims Tribunal Court and file for your refund. You have to pay a small administration fee of RM $10 and wait 2 months for your refund. According to this friend, she handled seven such cases and all seven were successful! Isn't this wonderful knowledge? Now, we the consumer need not be cowed by such unfair Exclusion Statements and get bullied by the merchants. Well, where is this Small Claims Tribunal Court? I am so glad that you asked!
Tribunal Tuntutan Pengguna Malaysia,
Tingkat 16, Putra Place,100, Jalan Putra,
50622 KUALA LUMPUR
Tel: 03 - 40492300 / 40424181 Fax: 03 – 40424259
We don't have fog in Malaysia, at the most we may have mist in early morning or late evening. I am referring to the events after the outcome of our recent General Elections. Initially there were rejoicing in the Opposition Coalition and numbness in the Barisan Coalition. This was followed by some storm in a tea-cup over the setting up of the new State Govenments won by the Opposition and the appointment of the Chief Minister or Menteri Besar in the States of Tregganu and Perak. Then the new Cabinet Appointments with some surprises from our Prime Minister, some crying for being left out or was it jilted and some came-in as a shock to the people.
News headlines in recent weeks were the angry lashing out by certain quarters especially former Prime Minister and one time Finance Minister calling for EGM's and investigations into the reasons for the dismal performance by the ruling party UMNO! Lots of reasons were given by MCA, MIC and Gerakan sort of pointing the finger at big brother UMNO being instrumental in their defeat. There were calls for the Prime Minister to step-down and take responsibility for Barisan's losses.
As for the newly elected Opposition Government Officials, they slowly wake-up to the reality of being in charge! It is not as easy or simplistic as they thought it to be when they were just fault finding with the Government then. Although the dust seems to be settling but in actual fact, a storm is brewing! I am referring to the coming UMNO General Assembly in December! Already there are signs of contention for the top post in UMNO and tradition has it that whoever is the Head Honcho will be the Prime Minster.
My mind is full of these thoughts and unable to drag myself away. I hope that UMNO is brave enough to face reality and really see the facts laid out from the results of the Elections. Change is certain but till now all I hear about is a revival of former glory of UMNO! What glory? Are they referring to the racial politics and the old ways of doing things? Revive that? I think it would be suicidal for UMNO to go along those lines. If they do then I don't think they truly have heard the cry of the people. The NEP at one time a noble ideal has been twisted out of context through the years of UMNO reign. NEP is necessary for our nation but it must be executed with fairness, justice and sensitivity rather than lopsided and benefiting only a handful of people, or cronies or friends.
The founding Fathers of our beloved nation were all men of integrity and their understanding of the NEP was different from the brand of NEP being implemented by their successors. It has evolved into a monster that they themselves could not control and 39 years after 1969, leading to their own downfall. Barisan must re-invent and touch base with the people rather than reviving the past! Now is the time for real change and slay the ghost of the past and evolve into something that the people love rather than loathe or worst still feared!
That's Maori way of calling their homeland New Zealand or 'Land of the Long White Cloud'. It is a beautiful country and one where my children prefer to live in. Most Asians have been there and personally I love to take long holidays in New Zealand and South Island is my favorite. I love to go there firstly it is not that far away from Malaysia, slightly more than 10 hours flight! Secondly I feel very at home there especially with so many other Asian Cultures there nowadays. Heck! there is always a number 3 reason and that is the 'Kiwis' are nice friendly, and warm people!
When I first visited that beautiful land in the late 80's it was very quiet and all shops closed by 6pm except for some pubs and restaurant! Now it is getting more like the Asian Cities with 24 hours outlets. If you want to know more about New Zealand you can visit New Zealand.com I know many of you can search for details in Google, Wiki etc but these sites do not respond to you! Try New Zealand.com and I am sure you'll be surprise by the personal touch you received but please leave your contact or comment there! Cheers!
Ever since we started blogging, we have made many many great friends all over the world! I am a firm believer in 'making peace with all' and what better way than developing friendships. From blogs, we can make friends easily, without having to leave home, cross borders, race and creed!
One great friend that I come to know is Sweet Jasmine of Rainbow! She expressed our friendship in such a wonderful way and generous as she is she gave us an Award! Thanks Sweet Jasmine for having thought of us when you gave this Award. What exquisite words used on this Award. Trust, Kindness, Honesty and Caring. I guess these are the intrinsic qualities in any healthy relationship.
Now we want to share the same with the following great friends!
Marzie;
Jean Chia;
Sweetpeamy;
Bobo;
Trinity;
Flsam;
Marcia;
Vivienne;
Kess;
Cben12;
Zooropazoo;
Mommibee;
Clonic;
Miche;
Tracy;
Zubli;
J@nice;
Kevin; Kuanhoong;
Keeyit;
Waterlearner;
JennyHow;
EddieJohn;
Hooting Anni;
Emma;
CookingMomster;
EastCoastLife;
Pinay Jade;
Lifeadventure.
