A hair care products company and its two directors have taken legal action against the assembler and local dealer of a luxury continental car, alleging that the vehicle they purchased for over RM500,000 was defective. The plaintiffs—Beyond Natural Group Sdn Bhd, S Aruna, and G Hanulraj—claimed the car, a three-litre premium model delivered on 25 November 2022, began experiencing electronic and mechanical issues almost immediately after delivery.
According to the statement of claim filed by law firm V Siva & Partners, the plaintiffs asserted that the vehicle has had persistent problems since late 2022, ultimately leading them to lose all trust and confidence in it. They also allege that the car model had been subject to a recall since March 2022, but the assembler and dealer failed to disclose this critical information at the time of purchase.
The plaintiffs are relying on provisions in the Sale of Goods Act 1957 and the Consumer Protection Act 1999 to support their case. They are seeking an order from the sessions court to compel the dealer to accept the return of the car, in addition to general and aggravated damages.
They are also pursuing reimbursement for several costs incurred, including RM54,246.04—the difference between the purchase price and the hire purchase loan of RM452,000—as well as future sums due under the hire-purchase agreement with Affin Bank Berhad. Other claims include RM157,600 for monthly instalments already paid, RM11,219.90 for the insurance premium, RM6,618.15 in service charges, and RM12,800 for paint protection film.
Aruna and Hanulraj are additionally seeking damages for pain, suffering, stress, mental anguish, and trauma. They claim the car was sold to them based on representations that it was a luxury vehicle outfitted with premium safety and comfort features, but these assurances were not reflected in the car’s performance.
On 2 December last year, the plaintiffs requested a replacement vehicle via email, but say the defendants failed to take any meaningful action despite acknowledging the message. The plaintiffs later refused to accept the car after its latest round of repairs, and on 27 December, they formally sought monetary compensation.
Their lawyer, V Sivaparanjothi, confirmed that the lawsuit was filed earlier this week and that the cause papers were served to the defendants on Wednesday.–FMT
