In an effort to promote consumer transparency, the Malaysian government has introduced a new regulation requiring workshop operators to openly display the qualifications of their mechanics. This regulation, effective from July 1, 2023, is part of several enhancements contained in the Consumer Protection (Workshops Information Disclosure) (Amendment) Regulations 2022.
Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub, confirmed this development. He noted that displaying such information would assist consumers in making informed decisions when selecting workshops with suitably qualified mechanics.
Moreover, the minister suggested that this move would motivate workshop owners to either employ qualified mechanics or facilitate their existing mechanics in acquiring appropriate qualifications.
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Further, Ayub added, “Operators are also required to clearly specify the category of spare parts used, whether they are new, used, or reconditioned. This ensures consumers are fully aware of the materials used for repairing or modifying their vehicles.”
The enforcement of this amendment, which was gazetted on June 22, 2022, was postponed by a year—from July 1, 2022, to July 1, 2023—to allow the impacted parties adequate preparation time for the impending changes.
“The deferral period for enforcing the Consumer Protection (Workshops Information Disclosure) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 concluded on June 30, 2023. Consequently, it has been fully operational nationwide since July 1, 2023,” Ayub explained.
He further emphasized that any violation of these regulations would lead to necessary actions as prescribed under the Consumer Protection Act 1999 (Act 599).
This news is based on an article published by Malay Mail.
