Consumers Association of Penang

Giving a voice to the little people...since 1970

In recent weeks, concerns over asbestos poisoning have been raised in our local print media. And rightly so! This naturally occurring fibrous mineral, with fire and heat resistant properties, has been recognised as a serious threat to life in the Western countries and where possible, its use is avoided.

People who work with asbestos are at serious risk of developing lung cancer, asbestosis, mesothelioma and fatal respiratory illnesses. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) conservatively estimates that 100,000 workers die each year from asbestos-related diseases. Thousands more perish from environmental exposures.

An effective product recall mechanism badly needed

Many millions of cars, food and dangerous consumer products are recalled overseas every year. But we hardly see recalls in Malaysia. Why?

Investigate cause of vehicle fires

Malaysia has experienced a spate of vehicle fires of late, some of which involving luxury cars and an SUV. These fires were not caused by collision as the cars caught fire while they were moving and some others while they were parked. The causes of these vehicle fires remain unexplained and unresolved.

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Hold professionals liable in building collapse

The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) is appalled at the state of affairs concerning the safety of our buildings and the safety standards practiced by local and foreign contractors here. The country is still reeling from the tragedy of the Jaya Supermarket deaths and now we have another near miss in the form of the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium roof collapse in Kuala Terengganu.

Sand mining activities cause damage and deaths

The Consumers association of Penang (CAP) welcomes and lauds the 2008 decision of the Sungai Petani Sessions Court Judge Puan Azizah Mahamud who awarded 2 families damages amounting to RM36,000 for burial and bereavement costs as well as interests and costs for the drowning of 3 children due to the negligence of independent contractor Abdul Halim Hashim and the Department of Land and Mines, Kedah.