Steven Chen
Aggrieved consumers can file a statement of claims against a supplier or retailer in a simple and straight forward claim procedures where the total amount claimed does not exceed RM25,000.
Under the Consumer Protection Act 1999, a claimant and respondent cannot be represented by legal counsels.
Minors and disabled claimants can be represented by a friend or a guardian.
If the respondent is a company or legal entity, the respondent can be represented by a full time salaried employee of the company besides the owner and its responsible officer.
When a claimant files a statement of claims to the Tribunal, it will set the flow of the hearing and award ruling in the shortest period of time.
The hearing will be presided over by a Tribunal President. 
The Tribunal for Consumer Claims is an independent body established under Section 85, Part XII of the Consumer Protection Act 1999.
The Tribunal operates under the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism.
The primary objective of establishing the Tribunal is to provide an alternative forum for consumers to file claims in a simple, inexpensive and speedy manner.
To know more about the Tribunal’s functions, filing procedures and other information, consumers can log on to its website at http://ttpm.kpdnkk.gov.my
A consumer education series compiled by Komunitikini.
CJMY
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