Mediation bureau set up to offer free services

THE Penang Council of Justices of Peace has set up a mediation bureau to ease mediation process pro bono for aggrieved parties.

The bureau, which was launched by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas at a hotel in George Town on Thursday, has 30 members who were trained by the Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration.

Council secretary Datuk Ong Seng Huat said the bureau was set up to ease mediation to resolve disputes among Penangites or those which arose from Penang civil and commercial transactions without having to go to court.

“Since it is pro bono, no legal fees would be charged for the process.

“The mediation process is a consensual and flexible dispute resolution procedure targeted to achieve a speedy, economical and non-acrimonious resolution of the dispute,” Ong said at the launching.

He said it was suitable for family, personal injury, commercial and other types of civil disputes.

He said the bureau’s 30 members are all members of the council, adding that they would also undertake court annexed mediation as and when requested by the Penang courts.

Those who need help from the bureau can contact Ong at 012-4833241.