The tribunal, in its decision yesterday, ordered the used car company to pay RM4,170 to Ah Meng.

Ah Meng, who appeared happy with the outcome, said he made the right decision to submit his case to the tribunal.

“I’ve sacrified time, money and energy for this case. For example, I had to go to the Road Transport Department a number of times to prove that I was right, and it has been worth the effort.”

The Malay Mail reported yesterday that Ah Meng, after paying RM4,090 for a used continental car in April, discovered that the vehicle was not in working condition.

His mechanic said the car was useless — its engine and air-conditioning unit was damaged, the front tyres could not be used, its lighting system was faulty and so was the car’s suspension system.

Ah Meng lodged a report at the Kajang police station on May 11 and then submitted his case to the Consumer Claims Tribunal since there was no feedback from the previous owner.

Puspakom confirmed that the car could not be used on the road as its chassis and engine numbers had been altered. The vehicle inspection centre blacklisted the car for violating the Road Transport Act