FOMCA NEWS

10 years too short for car’s lifespan, says Fomca

Thursday, February 21, 2013 - 14:14

 

 

by R. Pavithraa

Location: 

PETALING JAYA

 

 

       THE Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) said yesterday 10 years was too short of a time for a car’s lifespan and most people would be against this policy.

''Ten years is way too short. Most Malaysians look after their cars well and even after 10 years, they are still roadworthy,’’ said its chief executive officer, Datuk Paul Selva Raj.

He said a better alternative would be for all vehicles to undergo a mandatory road-worthiness test once they were 15 years old.

       He was responding to a proposal by the Malaysia Automotive Institute that vehicles more than 10 years old must be exited from roads should the full Vehicle End of Life (ELV) Policy be implemented.

          “Maybe, at the most, public vehicles like school buses should have a time limit. As far as private vehicles are concerned, if they are roadworthy they should be allowed on the road,” he said.

There are 22 million vehicles on the road and more than five million of them are more than 10 years old.

            Said Khoo Kah Jin, president of the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Car Dealers and Credit Companies Association: “If this policy is going to be implemented, they should come with a proper plan, and compensation.”

            He agreed with Fomca that vehicles more than 15 years old should undergo yearly inspections. The scrap policy also suggested that the government give a nominal value of RM5,000 to the car owner.

         Car owners feel that if the car is roadworthy and well- maintained it should be allowed on the road. “If the car is in good condition, then it is worthy of being on the road,” said Ramasamy Karuppan, an owner of a 16- year-old Honda Accord.

           “A vehicle that is well-maintained and well-serviced can last for more than 10 years. I do agree that there are old cars that are a nuisance, so a yearly inspection to test the road worthiness will be the best solution.”

           Richardas Arulanthu, a pensioner who owns a 10-year-old Proton Wira, said as long as a car was kept in good contition “it will not trouble anyone”. 

       All vehicles aged 15 years and above were required to go for a mandatory annual inspection for a road tax renewal under the The National Automotive Policy in 2009 but it was not put to effect because of a public uproar.

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ADDRESS

No. 1D-1 , Bangunan SKPPK ,  Jalan SS9A/17 47300 , Petaling Jaya  Selangor , Malaysia 

  WEBSITE

 http://www.fomca.org.my 

CONTACT NUMBER

+(603) - 7876 2009 / 7875 6370  +(603) - 7877 1076

 Office Hours Are From 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday - Friday. 

 **Closed for Public Holidays according to Selangor and National Holidays.

 

 

 

THE HISTORY OF FOMCA

FOMCA

The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations or its acronym, FOMCA is a national non-governmental organization, which is voluntary, non-profit, non-political, and civic oriented. It is the umbrella body of registered consumer associations in Malaysia. FOMCA links the activities of consumers' associations in Malaysia and works together with the national and international levels towards strengthening consumer protection.

FOMCA's main concern is not only value for money but more so, value for people. FOMCA also promotes through the purchasing power of consumers a "need-oriented" development that will ensure socio-economic justice and environmental quality of life for all.

Objective 

FOMCA was formed primarily to:

• Strengthen the growth and spread of the organized consumer movement in Malaysia.
• Resolve consumer issues and promote the rights of consumers.
• Promote through the purchasing power of consumers a “need-oriented” development that will ensure socio-economic justice and environmental quality of life for all.
• Coordinate as an advisory body to all the other consumer organization in Malaysia.

Philosophy

FOMCA is not only a consumer body, it is also a development body.  FOMCA’s aim are:

• To create independence amongst consumers – “The Best Protection is Self Protection”."
• To create a wise, civic- minded society.

FOMCA practices: - 

1. Work in partnership with the government but not for government.
2. Work with the consumers but not for consumers.
3. Controlling exploitation and non-ethic practices in business and not against a responsible business practices

Role

FOMCA has the following roles:

1. Researching consumer issues and its implications on people
2. Promote and conduct consumer education.
3. Advocate for better consumer protection.
4. Where required, conduct product testing.