Workshops Must Now Display Mechanics’ Names, Qualifications Or Risk Facing Jail

The authorities will now take action against auto repair shop owners who do not display the names and certifications of their mechanics after the one-year grace period expires.

According to Datuk Azman Adam, enforcement director-general of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, workshop operators have been given ample time to comply with this ruling.

Azman stated that the penalty for failing to comply under the Consumer Protection Act 1999 (Act 599) is a RM100,000 fine for companies and an RM50,000 fine for individuals, as well as a three-year jail term if found guilty.

For now, the workshops inspected by the ministry’s enforcement unit will be advised to comply with the rule, he added.

“We will monitor this from time to time. Failure to comply will result in a penalty,” Azman was reported as saying by the English daily.

The Consumer Protection (Workshops Information Disclosure) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 were gazetted in June 2022, with enforcement set to begin the following July 1.

However, after a series of meetings with industry stakeholders, it was postponed for a year, to July 1, 2023, to give those affected time to prepare for the changes.

The move is intended to encourage workshop owners to hire qualified mechanics or assist their mechanics in obtaining the necessary qualifications.

In terms of transparency, consumers will benefit as well, as they will be able to ensure that the services obtained from workshops are in line with the prices.

Workshop operators must clearly state whether the spare parts offered are new, used, or restored, in addition to displaying the names and qualifications of the mechanics employed.
They must also provide a written document stating whether or not there is a guarantee for the spare parts used, as well as whether or not there is a guarantee for the repair jobs performed by the workshop.

Prof Dr Wong Shaw Voon, chairman of the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros), told The Star that the move ensures accountability from workshops.

"Even if the workshop does not do its job properly, there will be a mechanism and channel for people to take action." It's also critical to do a good job to avoid anything tragic from happening, which could result in property or life loss," he said.

Wong stated that in the past, people may have had to rely on referrals to determine which mechanics were capable of the repairs or jobs required, regardless of whether they were certified or not.

He also added that it is also critical for workshops to inform customers about the type of spare parts used.
“Whatever spare part is put in must be recorded. If it is used, they must be charged accordingly and not as a new item. It’s not that a used spare part cannot be used, but it’s not fair for consumers to pay for it as if it were brand new,” he emphasised.
Those with information on workshops which do not comply with these regulations can contact https://eaduan.kpdn.gov.my/, through its carelines at 1800 88 6800, 019-279 4317 or 019-848 8000, or the app Ez ADU KPDN.