15/07/2025

TUESDAY | JULY 15, 2025

/thesuntelegram FOLLOW / Malaysian Paper

ON TELEGRAM m RAM

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Need for central system to protect used car buyers

Efforts to curb spread of swine fever intensified

TASEK GELUGOR: The Penang Veterinary Services Department has stepped up efforts to curb the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF), which has been detected at three pig farms in Kampung Selamat here. Its director Dr Saira Banu Mohamed Rejab said ASF was first reported on July 7 after the public spotted pigs at a farm in Kampung Selamat showing clinical signs of the disease. She said the animals were later sent to a slaughterhouse in Central Seberang Perai district, and the department immediately conducted inspections and collected samples from farms in the area. “To date, 188 pigs have been culled and 45 carcasses disposed of at the first farm, while 70 pigs have died at the second farm from ASF-related complications. “We have yet to enter the third farm, which is also infected. “I was informed that many pigs there are showing signs of illness,” she said. Saira Banu said all pig carcasses from the ASF-infected farms had been safely buried, with disposal works completed at the first and second farms. She said the number of farms confirmed to be infected with ASF remained at three, with no new farms reporting cases of infected pigs. “We urge pig farmers to remain vigilant and to continue enforcing the restrictions and ban on the movement of pigs from positive farms to the designated slaughterhouses. “The department is also stepping up biosecurity monitoring and control at surrounding farms, while additional sampling is ongoing at farms identified as at risk,” she said. – Bernama Campers mourn KUANTAN: A male tapir, billed as a natural mascot for campers as it was frequently spotted at the Mardi Cherating Agrotechnology Park, was killled in a collision with a vehicle at km35 of Jalan Kuantan Kemaman here on Sunday. Acting Kuantan police chief Supt Mohd Adli Mat Daud said animal was struck by a Perodua Alza at about 12.10am when it was crossing the road. “The driver, a 41-year-old man, was unhurt,“ he said in a statement. Police were dispatched to the scene shortly after the incident to ensure traffic safety on the poorly lit stretch of road. Adli added that the tapir’s carcass, estimated to weigh over 120kg, was handed to the Pahang Wildlife and National Parks Department for further action. Badrol Hisham Mohamad, 44, who was among the first at the scene, said he immediately alerted the police and the department. “The tapir is believed to have been hit by a vehicle carrying a family travelling from Kemaman to Kuantan near the Mardi Cherating park. “Several motorists also stopped to help direct traffic, as the carcass was lying in the middle of the road and posed a danger to others,” said the Kampung Sungai Ular resident. The Mardi Cherating Agrotechnology Park, in a Facebook post, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the tapir, describing its death as a major blow to wildlife lovers. – Bernama death of park ‘mascot’ tapir

PETALING JAYA: Buying a used car in Malaysia can be a lifesaver or a trap. Hidden damage, tampered odometers and slick cosmetic fixes are leaving unsuspecting buyers at risk, and experts say it is time for real protection. A national database to track used car histories is urgently needed to shield consumers from unknowingly purchasing defective vehicles, said an automotive expert. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Automotive Development Centre director Dr Mohd Azman Abas said the data already exists with authorities and relevant players, but Malaysia lacks a central system that allows buyers to check a vehicle’s background using its registration or chassis number. “Countries like the United States, United Kingdom and Japan already have systems to track accident history, mileage, flood damage and ownership records. “Malaysia must move in that direction to protect its consumers.” Currently, several private platforms offer paid vehicle history reports. However, they operate independently and vary in the depth and type of information provided – making them inconsistent, costly and less accessible to the average buyer. Azman warned that buying a used car without proper checks remains a high-risk gamble. Even vehicles that look cosmetically sound can have underlying issues. “The real danger lies in the chassis. If it’s been compromised, it can affect a car’s alignment, crash safety and structural integrity. These flaws are often invisible without a thorough inspection,” he said. He added that buyers often rely on appearance and dealer promises, unaware of the long-term consequences. “Safety components like airbags, brakes and suspension can be damaged or even removed, and many won’t realise until it’s too late. These systems are critical for safe driving.” Azman noted that while digital diagnostic o Important to set up national database for consumers to track accident history, mileage and ownership records to avoid purchasing defective vehicles: Automotive expert Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Azman said there are buyers who face financial and serious safety risks months after sealing what looked like a good deal. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

misrepresentation, non-disclosure and weak legal protections. “Most complaints we receive come months after purchase, when buyers finally realise the car had been submerged in floods or in a major crash – none of which was disclosed.” He said while the Consumer Protection Act 1999 prohibits misleading conduct, it lacks teeth when it comes to used vehicles. “Dealers often hide behind ‘as-is’ clauses, shifting all responsibility to buyers – many of whom aren’t fully aware of what that means.” Saravanan welcomed the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry’s move to propose Lemon Law provisions, calling it long overdue. “Lemon Law isn’t just about breakdowns – it’s about fairness in a market that involves high value purchases and low accountability. “We urge the government to push the amendment through swiftly and ensure strong enforcement so it works in practice, not just on paper.” He said such a law would set post-sale warranty standards, allow consumers to seek repairs, refunds or replacements for defective vehicles and place more responsibility on sellers. He also highlighted the urgency as electric vehicles (EVs) become more common. “EV faults – like battery issues or software glitches – are hard to detect and expensive to fix. Without legal protection, buyers are left exposed and public trust in EVs could be undermined.” Saravanan advised consumers to demand full documentation, avoid deals that seem too good to be true and always get a professional inspection before buying.

tools are useful, they have limitations. “If a fault has been repaired and the error code cleared, the issue may go undetected unless it happens again. That’s why diagnostics must always be combined with a physical inspection and, where possible, a review of the vehicle’s history.” He welcomed the rise of digital platforms offering inspection reports but stressed that human expertise remains essential. “There are many trustworthy sellers, but there are also cars with flood or accident damage hidden under new paint and polished interiors. “We’ve seen buyers suffer financially and face serious safety risks months after sealing what looked like a good deal.” Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations CEO Saravanan Thambirajah echoed the concerns, saying the used car market has long exposed buyers to

RM8.7b to develop 86 Sabah projects under 12MP KOTA KINABALU: The federal government, through the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry, has allocated RM8.79 billion until June 2025 to implement 86 development projects in Sabah. commitment to resolve two key issues in Sabah – water and energy. “Because without energy and water, there can be no economic growth in Sabah,” he said when speaking at the ministry’s Engagement Session with Sabah Media here on Sunday. “With strong federal-state relations, we can bring more prosperity with the support of a free and trustworthy media and a united people,” he said.

Fadillah also said the engagement session was intended as a platform for the media to better understand the role of the ministry and agencies under its auspices. “We organised this session to foster closer ties and strengthen the relationship between the media and the ministry’s top management,“ he added. – Bernama

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation minister said the total allocation will be disbursed under the Fifth Rolling Plan of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP). “Sabah has received a fairly large allocation from the federal government. It is our

He said the Madani government is always striving to ensure that Sabah continues to prosper together as a big Malaysian family. Therefore, Sabah’s progress is not only the responsibility of this state, but of the entire nation.