How much does it cost to file a claim at the Consumer Tribunal?

The filing fee is only RM5. This makes it one of the most affordable legal remedies available to Malaysian consumers.

Do I need a lawyer at the Tribunal Tuntutan Pengguna?

No. Lawyers are not permitted to represent parties at the Tribunal. You must represent yourself. This keeps the process accessible and low-cost for consumers.

What happens if the trader ignores the Tribunal award?

If the trader fails to comply with the award within the specified time, you can report to KPDN for enforcement. The trader can be fined up to RM5,000 or imprisoned, and the award can be enforced through the civil courts.

How to Sue in the Tribunal Tuntutan Pengguna (Small Claims) Malaysia – Step by Step 2026

Q: What is the maximum claim amount at the Tribunal Tuntutan Pengguna?

As of 2026, the Tribunal can hear claims up to RM15,000. Claims exceeding this amount must be filed in the Magistrates or Sessions Court instead.

If you bought a defective product, received poor service, or were misled by a business in Malaysia, you do not have to accept the loss. The Tribunal Tuntutan Pengguna Malaysia (TTPM), also known as the Consumer Claims Tribunal, provides a fast, affordable, and lawyer-free way to seek justice. Established under the Consumer Protection Act 1999 (Act 599), the Tribunal handles consumer claims up to RM15,000 with minimal formality.

This guide explains exactly how to file your claim, what evidence you need, and what to expect at the hearing.

What Kind of Claims Can the Tribunal Hear?

The Tribunal hears claims by consumers against traders (businesses) relating to:

Defective or poor-quality goods (electronics, furniture, vehicles, etc.)
Unsatisfactory services (repairs, renovations, professional services)
Misleading or false advertising under the Consumer Protection Act
Failure to honour warranties or guarantees
Overcharging or hidden fees
Online purchase disputes (goods not received or not as described)

The claim limit is RM15,000. If your claim exceeds this amount, you must either reduce your claim to RM15,000 or pursue it through the civil courts. The Tribunal does not hear claims related to land, personal injury, or disputes between businesses.

Step-by-Step: Filing Your Claim

Attempt to resolve the dispute first. Before filing, you should have contacted the trader in writing (email, WhatsApp, or letter) and given them a reasonable opportunity to resolve the issue. Keep copies of all correspondence.
Prepare Form 1. Obtain Borang 1 from any TTPM office or download it from the KPDN (Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living) website. The form asks for: your details, the trader's details, the amount claimed, and a brief description of your complaint.
Gather your evidence. Attach supporting documents: receipts, invoices, warranty cards, photos/videos of the defective product, screenshots of online purchases, WhatsApp conversations, and any expert reports. Evidence is crucial — the Tribunal decides based on documents and testimony.
File the form and pay the fee. Submit the completed Form 1 at any TTPM branch nationwide. The filing fee is only RM5. The Tribunal will register your claim and issue a hearing date, usually within 30 to 60 days.
Attend the hearing. The hearing is conducted by the Tribunal President, who acts as both judge and mediator. Both you and the trader attend. No lawyers are allowed. The President will listen to both sides, examine the evidence, and attempt to mediate a settlement. If no settlement is reached, the President will make a binding award.
Receive the award. The Tribunal's decision (award) is final and binding. The trader usually has 14 days to comply. The award may order the trader to refund money, replace goods, repair items, or pay compensation.

⚠ Laws vary by situation. The Tribunal has specific jurisdictional limits. Claims over RM15,000, personal injury claims, and disputes involving land are outside its scope. Verify your claim falls within the Tribunal's jurisdiction before filing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum claim amount?

As of 2026, the Tribunal can hear claims up to RM15,000. Claims exceeding this amount must be filed in the civil courts (Magistrates or Sessions Court). You can reduce your claim to RM15,000 to stay within the Tribunal's jurisdiction.

How much does it cost to file a claim?

The filing fee is only RM5, making it one of the most affordable legal remedies available to Malaysian consumers. There are no additional hearing fees.

Do I need a lawyer?

No, and in fact lawyers are not permitted to represent parties at the Tribunal. You must present your own case. This keeps the process accessible and low-cost for consumers.

What happens if the trader ignores the award?

If the trader fails to comply within the specified time (usually 14 days), you can report the non-compliance to KPDN. The trader commits an offence and can be fined up to RM5,000 or imprisoned up to 2 years. You can also enforce the award through the civil courts.

Can I file against an online seller?

Yes. The Tribunal accepts claims against online sellers and e-commerce platforms. You will need to provide the seller's name and address. If you only have their online username, KPDN can assist in identifying them through platform cooperation.

Official References

Consumer Protection Act 1999 (Act 599) — www.agc.gov.my
KPDN (Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living) — www.kpdn.gov.my
Tribunal Tuntutan Pengguna Malaysia — Branches in every state
Form 1 (Borang 1) — Available at all TTPM offices and KPDN website

Ask About Your Specific Situation

Consumer disputes come in many forms. Tell us what happened and we will help you determine if the Tribunal is the right path and how to prepare your claim.