Countering counterfeits: Fomca urges the government to educate consumers in identifying authentic products during the current deferment period. – KAMARUL ARIFFIN/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Stringent enforcement and monitoring must be ongoing to eradicate the sale of counterfeit engine oil, says the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca).
This comes after the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry said regulation requiring engine oil sold in Malaysia to possess the Sirim QAS International Sdn Bhd certification was postponed until Oct 7.
Fomca chief executive officer Saravanan Thambirajah said the ministry must use the deferment period to strictly monitor industry compliance and make clear that no further extensions will be entertained.
“Checks must be done across physical and online platforms to gradually curb the sale of counterfeit engine oil to consumers.
“Online platforms are urged to thoroughly vet their sellers and products before allowing any sales,” he said when contacted.
The postponement, he said, risks prolonging consumer exposure to counterfeit or substandard goods.
“It is more than just a consumer rights issue but one of public safety and economic impact.
“The use of fake or low-quality lubricants can cause severe damage to a vehicle’s engine, reduce fuel efficiency and in some cases, possibly contribute to mechanical failures that may lead to accidents,” he said, adding that consumer safety and market integrity must be the priority.
Saravanan stressed the importance of protecting Malaysian consumers from harm.
He urged the ministry to ramp up public education campaigns guiding consumers in identifying authentic products and where to report counterfeits.
He advised consumers to remain vigilant when purchasing vehicle engine oil.
“Purchase only from trusted and reputable retailers or service centres.
“If the price of the product appears unusually low, it should raise suspicion as counterfeit products are often sold at a significant discount to entice unsuspecting buyers.”
Saravanan urged consumers to visit the official websites of engine oil manufacturers to familiarise themselves with genuine product packaging and labelling.
The announcement on the deferment came less than a week after the Trade Descriptions Order (Certification and Marking of Engine Oil for Motor Vehicles) 2024 came into force on April 7.
The order was gazetted on Oct 11 last year, but the government gave manufacturers six months until April 7 to comply with the directive.
Under this directive, those looking to supply motor vehicle engine oil have to make an application to Sirim QAS as the competent authority to obtain certification and conformity label.
The ministry’s decision to postpone the order came after appeals and feedback from industry groups regarding technical difficulties in adhering to the order.
Ministry director-general (operations) Datuk Azman Adam said strict action will be taken against importers, distributors or traders found selling engine oil products without Sirim QAS certification by Oct 7.
Corporate bodies will face a fine not exceeding RM200,000, if convicted, while non-corporate bodies will face a fine of not more than RM100,000 or a jail term of up to three years, or both.
