Tuesday June 3, 2008
Groups: Carmakers must pay
PETALING JAYA: Consumer groups agreed that local car manufacturers should bear the cost of installing rear seat belts for old models which are not pre-fitted with the safety feature.
They said it should be part of the local car manufacturers’ social responsibility as they had already profited from the sales.
“Consumers shouldn’t be made to bear the cost of installing the belts,” said National Consumer Complaints Centre director Darshan Singh.
The response came following the government’s announcement on Sunday that owners of locally-produced cars without rear safety belts will have them installed for free.
There is still deliberation, however, on who should bear the cost. The rear safety belt ruling came into effect on Sunday.
Fomca president Datuk N. Marimuthu said it was part of their responsibility as manufacturers to ensure there was continuous improvement.
“The cars may be old, but by providing the service they would project their image as a manufacturer that promotes safety,” he said.
A CAP spokesman said it would not be a problem for local car manufacturers as the number of cars without the amenity was small.
“Most of the cars which do not come fitted with rear safety belts are already more than 10 years old and most are already decommissioned.
“Carmakers should bear the cost of installing it for free because they know their cars best.”
Malaysian Automotive Association president Datuk Aishah Ahmad said she did not foresee any problems in installing rear safety belts for free.
She said the Road Safety Department should hold discussions with manufacturers to ensure a smooth installation process.
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