JOHOR Baru Consumer Claims Tribunal dismissed a claim by a customer against a car accessories and air-conditioning service shop.
The proprietor, Low Man How (pic) said this was the first time in 14 years of running his business that he was ordered to attend a Tribunal hearing.
“I’m still confused why the customer filed the case against me,” said the 38-year-old respondent when met outside the Tribunal at Menara Ansar, Johor Baru.
The Pusat Aksesori & Hawa Dingin BJ proprietor in Taman Bukit Indah said he would lose customers if his services were bad.
The claimant went to his shop on Jan 13, 2023, to replace the cooling coil of her 11-year-old compact crossover sports utility vehicle (SUV).
“The cost of replacing the leaking cooling coil was RM1,540 including labour charges,” said Low.
He said the next day, the customer called to tell him that the dashboard light was faulty and came for repairs on March 31, 2023.
After getting her vehicle back, the claimant from Taman Tan Sri Yaacob in Johor Baru called to say her car’s air-conditioner was not functioning.
“Instead of coming back to us to repair it, the respondent sent the SUV to a service centre in Plentong,” Low related.
Earlier during the hearing, the claimant told the Tribunal that the dashboard light and air-con were not functioning due to the carelessness of the respondent.
“The respondent opened the dashboard to replace the leaking cooling coil, causing the dashboard light and air-con to malfunction,” she said.
The claimant sought RM8,937.31 from the respondent for the imported spare parts replaced by technicians at the Plentong service centre.
Low, in his counterclaim, said it was necessary to open the dashboard to replace the cooling coil.
“It is normal for a vehicle which is 11 years old to have problems including the dashboard clips which might have broken,” said the respondent.
Tribunal president Hafez Zalkapli dismissed the claim as the replacement of the spare parts was done by the Plentong service centre.
Those who need assistance with regard to Tribunal matters can call 07-227 1755/1766.
