Penang Sees Rise In TTPM Claim Filings, 775 Cases Resolved Last Year - KPDN

BUKIT MERTAJAM, July 26 (Bernama) -- Consumer awareness in Penang of their right to seek redress through the Tribunal for Consumer Claims Malaysia (TTPM) has been increasing, with the number of claims filed showing an upward trend over the past few years.

State Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) director S. Jegan said 614 claims were filed in 2024, rising to 777 cases last year, while 444 claims were recorded in the first six months of this year as of June 30.

“The increase in claims filed over the past few years shows that the public is becoming more aware of their rights as consumers and knows the proper channel to seek redress.

“This is a very positive development as it reflects the growing level of consumer awareness in Penang of their rights under the Consumer Protection Act 1999, while also indicating that KPDN’s advocacy and public awareness efforts have been successful in improving public understanding of the role of the TTPM,” he told Bernama recently.

However, he acknowledged that some consumers are still unaware that they can bring disputes involving claims for compensation before the TTPM without having to go through complicated court proceedings.

He also said that some consumers are also reluctant to file claims despite being entitled to do so, as they perceive the tribunal process to be difficult and costly.

“In reality, the TTPM process is simple, fast and requires only a RM5 processing fee. The tribunal serves as an effective alternative avenue for resolving consumer disputes without having to go through lengthy court proceedings,” he said.

Elaborating further, he said the most common claims filed in the state involve home renovation works and beauty treatment services, while a significant number of complaints also relate to the purchase of electrical appliances and furniture.

He said home renovation complaints typically involve delays in project completion, unsatisfactory workmanship or contractors failing to comply with the terms of the agreement. Claims involving beauty treatment services, meanwhile, generally concern services that do not match what was promised, treatment side effects or packages that differ from those advertised.

He added that among the main factors prompting consumers to bring cases before the tribunal are traders’ failure to provide refunds, the supply of goods that do not meet the promised specifications, and breaches of contract.

He added that 262 cases were resolved as of June 30, while 775 of the 777 claims filed last year have also been settled, with the remaining two cases still pending following applications for postponement by the claimants.

To address recurring issues, he said state KPDN has stepped up advocacy and public awareness programmes, intensified monitoring and enforcement against traders, and conducted engagement sessions with industry players to ensure compliance with the law while safeguarding consumers' rights.

“One of the common mistakes consumers make when filing claims is failing to submit complete supporting documents, such as purchase receipts, contracts or agreements, proof of payment and details of the party against whom the claim is made,” he said.

He therefore advised consumers to keep all documents related to their transactions in a safe place to facilitate the claims process should any dispute arise.

Jegan also reminded traders to conduct business transparently, comply with the specifications of the products and services they offer, and respect consumers’ rights to avoid disputes being brought before the tribunal.

-- BERNAMA