Sightless but not blind to his rights

Malaysian Mirror
Honeymah Dylyani
Wednesday, 28 October 2009 20:16


He may be sightless but veteran singer Alfred Ho is not blind to his consumer’s rights.


He was sore when a music store rejected his claim for a refund.

While it was only a matter of RM100, he felt that as a customer he had the right to make the claim for an item that did not meet his requirement. So, he went to the small claims court, instead.

The court, also known as the Tribunal for Consumer Claims, on Wednesday ordered Woh Fatt Music House Sdn Bhd to give back the money to Ho, a one-time recording artiste who now sings in pubs and lounges.

Ho said he had wanted to return a guitar case he had bought from the shop and to ask for a refund, but his request was rejected.

'Those with sight can do more'

The singer, who has made albums of some self-composed songs and evergreen numbers, said he was thankful for the outcome and advised consumers who felt cheated to refer their complaints to the tribunal.

"Although I'm blind, I still came here to fight for my rights. My message here is, those with sight should be able to do more for themselves when they feel cheated," he said after the tribunal handed its decision.

Ho, currently singing at a bistro in Jalan Gasing, Petaling Jaya, said he brought his complaint to the tribunal when Woh Fatt Music House refused to give back his money for the guitar case bought from the shop.

Company to pay within 14 days

Court president Rahazlan Affandi Abdul Rahim ordered the shop to pay back Ho after advising them to amicably settle the dispute through negotiation as the amount involved was small.

Woh Fatt Music House, which was represented by K.C.Liew, was ordered to pay back Ho within 14 days while Ho should immediately return the guitar case after receiving the payment

Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism deputy secretary-general (Consumerism and Management) Mahani Tan Abdullah said under the Consumers Protection Act, a consumer has the right to return the product if it is deemed defective and not because he or she does not like the product.

Defective goods can be returned

“Malaysian consumers should understand that they can return the good if it is defective. They can also exchange the goods with something of a similar value and not less.

“In Ho’s case it is different. He is blind and the judges have been using their discretion in awarding Alfred Ho his claims.

“Furthermore the claim is also reasonable. I do not think that the judge will side with him if he made unreasonable claims.

“In my opinion, the salesman did not explain to him accordingly. Since Alfred could not see, the salesman should be more detail in explaining the product, “ Mahani said.

She added that this case should highlight the importance of ethics in business.

"I am happy that the judge had awarded Alfred Ho’s claim because, sometimes, business people must be reminded to be more ethical in doing their business, especially with the disabled.