Workshops must now display mechanics’ qualifications and more

PETALING JAYA: The one-year grace period for auto repair workshops to display the names and certification of their mechanics is up and the authorities will now take action against errant operators.

Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry director-general (enforcement) Datuk Azman Adam said the ministry had given sufficient time for workshop operators to comply with this ruling.

He said the penalty for not doing so, under the Consumer Protection Act 1999 (Act 599), is a RM100,000 fine for companies and a RM50,000 fine for individuals, or 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. We will monitor this from time to time. Failure to comply will result in a penalty,” Azman warned.

The Consumer Protection (Workshops Information Disclosure) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 was supposed to have been enforced last year but the ministry gave a one-year grace period for all workshop operators to come on board.

Enforcement of the amendment, which was gazetted on June 22, 2022, after a series of engagements with industry players, had been postponed for a year from July 1, 2022, to July 1, 2023, to allow those affected to prepare for the changes, said Azman.

Despite being given enough time to comply, most auto repair workshops in the country have yet to meet the requirement.

The move is aimed at transparency and to ensure the services consumers get from workshops are in line with the prices.

“Businesses, especially workshops, must comply with the law.

“The Consumer Protection (Workshops Information Disclosure) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 not only encourages workshops to hire or upskill their mechanics, but also ensures consumers have access to qualified mechanics. Indirectly, this increases the quality of services provided alongside boosting business productivity,” said Azman.

Under the ruling, workshops are required to display the names and qualifications of the mechanics employed, clearly state whether spare parts offered are new, used or restored, provide a written document on whether there is any guarantee for said spare parts, and state whether there is a guarantee for the repair jobs carried out by the workshop.

Safety experts too lauded the move, saying it would give better assurance to consumers on their vehicles’ roadworthiness.

Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) chairman Prof Dr Wong Shaw Voon said having these requirements in place ensures accountability from workshops.

“If the workshop doesn’t do a proper job, at least there will be a mechanism and channel for people to take action.

“It’s also important for a proper job to be done to avoid anything tragic from happening, which can result in loss of property or life,” he said.

Having workshops comply with the regulations, Wong said, is a step forward towards ensuring the delivery of quality services.

“In the past, people may have had to depend on referrals to know which mechanics were capable of the repairs or jobs needed, regardless whether they had the certification or not.

“They would be worried about how safe their vehicles were in terms of maintenance and preparedness following work done on them. Having certified and qualified mechanics inspires confidence among vehicle owners and assures them of the competency of those working on their vehicles,” he said.

Wong added that having workshops clearly state whether spare parts used are new, used or restored is also important for consumers.

“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 said.

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.