SINGAPORE: Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) has received more complaints against the motor car industry in the last three years.

In 2005, the consumer watchdog received 1227 complaint cases. In 2006, the number rose to 1,435; and last year, it went up by 19 per cent over the 2006 figure to hit 1707 cases.

CASE president Yeo Guat Kwang, who is also the MP for Aljunied GRC, said one of the issues is how vendors forfeit deposits when contracts fall through.

He urged the Ministry of Trade and Industry to introduce a new regulation under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act to compel motor vehicle dealers to be more transparent in their deposit policies.

Mr Yeo also recommended the ministry to introduce regulations to govern how unsolicited goods and goods provided on an opt-out basis should be treated.

He made the call during the debate on the Trade and Industry Ministry's budget in Parliament on Monday.

The consumer watchdog is also pushing for a "Lemon Law" to be introduced.

Mr Yeo said many consumers complain they are given 'lemons' - or defective goods - when they buy products.

But since there is currently no legislation spelling out consumers' rights to refund or replacement, businesses are dragging their feet in assisting consumers.

CASE said this is unacceptable and that a Lemon Law or provisions to cover this aspect of consumer transactions would be needed.

Mr Yeo also suggested setting up a task force to study the experience of other countries that have implemented 'Lemon Laws". - CNA/ac