Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few days, you’d probably heard of the now infamous Perodua Bezza incident, where a woman named Nagakanni had her brand new car break down merely eight hours later.
As the drama continues to unfold, there has been a term that has been thrown around, and despite its name, it has absolutely nothing to do with the fruit it’s named after.
What are we talking about exactly? It’s called Lemon Laws, where its primary purpose is to aid consumers like Nagakanni receive compensation when they’re given defective vehicles.
Before we dive any deeper, let’s take a closer look into what Lemon Laws do:
What are Lemon Laws?
Lemon Laws aren’t just a set of legal statutes; rather, they are pillars of consumer protection meticulously designed to address the recurring issue of defective vehicles, often referred to as “lemons”.
Aside from providing compensation for affected consumers, Lemon Laws also aim to restore balance in the buyer-seller relationship, ensuring that consumers are not left to bear the financial and emotional burdens associated with owning a “lemon”.
Here are some key characteristics of Lemon Laws:
1. Criteria for a lemon
Lemon laws typically define specific criteria that a vehicle must meet to be considered a “lemon.” These criteria often include a certain number of repair attempts within a specified period or a cumulative number of days spent at the repair shop.
2. Consumer remedies
Lemon laws empower consumers with options. If the manufacturer can’t fix the “lemon” after a reasonable number of attempts, consumers may be entitled to a refund, a replacement vehicle, or financial compensation.
3. Manufacturer’s obligations
Lemon laws usually shift the burden to manufacturers, where they bear the responsibility of setting things right if the “lemon” is still unfixed. This is to ensure that they take accountability in the production and delivery of vehicles.
Why Malaysia needs Lemon Laws
Unfortunately, Malaysia is one of those countries that doesn’t have Lemon Laws in place, often leaving consumers holding the bag when things go awry through no fault of their own.
In light of the Perodua Bezza incident, here are a few reasons why Malaysia should consider setting these laws in place:
1. Empowers consumers
Lemon Laws empower consumers by delineating their rights and offering clear recourse in the face of a defective vehicle. No longer will they have to feel helpless in the face of owning a “lemon” and instead will have more bargaining power in negotiating with the manufacturer.
2. Enforces manufacturer accountability
Lemon Laws set the stage for manufacturers to uphold their commitment to quality. If a vehicle continues to exhibit defects, manufacturers must address the issues promptly or face legal consequences.
3. Boosts consumer confidence
The last thing any manufacturer or company wants is to have their consumer base abandon them due to low confidence. As such, implementing Lemon Laws fosters confidence among consumers as they know they have legal protection when making a purchase and contributes to a more transparent and trustworthy market.
Do you agree that it’s time for Malaysia to have Lemon Laws in place? Let us know in the comments!
Read our coverage of the Perodua Bezza incident here:
