The trader ignored my Tribunal for Consumer Claims award. What now?

You went to the Tribunal for Consumer Claims (TTPM), the trader was ordered to refund you, and the deadline has passed. No payment, no reply. An award that is not paid can feel worthless, but the law gives you two routes: the criminal penalty and civil enforcement.

What the Tribunal can award

The TTPM hears consumer claims within the Consumer Protection Act 1999 where the total award sought does not exceed RM50,000 (s.98(1)). It can order payment of money, supply or repair of goods, refunds, compensation for loss, variation or setting aside of a contract, costs and interest of up to 8% a year (s.112(2)). It cannot award damages for non-pecuniary loss (s.112(3)).

The award is final and binding

Every award and every agreed settlement recorded by the Tribunal:

• is final and binding on all parties; and
• is deemed to be an order of a Magistrates' Court, and may be enforced accordingly by any party (s.116(1)).

The Tribunal's Secretary sends a copy of the award to the relevant Magistrates' Court, which records it (s.116(2)).

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Route 1: the criminal penalty

Any person who, after 14 days, fails to comply with an award commits an offence. On conviction, the penalty is a fine of up to RM10,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both (s.117(1)). For a continuing offence, there is a further fine of RM100 to RM5,000 for each day the non-compliance continues after conviction (s.117(2)).

You can report the non-compliance to the Tribunal or the enforcement authority under the Ministry. A prosecution puts pressure on the trader, but it does not by itself put money in your hands.

Route 2: civil enforcement in the Magistrates' Court

Because the award is treated as a Magistrates' Court order, you can use the ordinary methods for enforcing a judgment under the Rules of Court 2012, such as:

• writ of seizure and sale: the bailiff seizes and sells the trader's movable property;
• garnishee proceedings: money owed to the trader, such as a bank balance, is paid to you instead;
• judgment debtor summons: the trader is called to court to be examined on his means and ordered to pay, including by instalments.

For a company, a winding-up petition may be possible if the debt meets the statutory threshold, though this is usually considered only for larger sums.

What should I do first?

1. Get a certified copy of the award and note the date it was made.
2. Write to the trader after 14 days, reminding him of the award and the offence under s.117.
3. Report the non-compliance to the Tribunal.
4. Find out the trader's assets: business address, bank, vehicles.
5. Choose an enforcement method in the Magistrates' Court.

Example

A renovation contractor is ordered by the TTPM to refund RM8,000 within 14 days. He does not pay. The consumer reports the non-compliance and also applies for a garnishee order against the contractor's business account. The bank pays the sum into court.

Common mistakes

• Waiting months before taking any step.
• Assuming the Tribunal will collect the money for you.
• Not checking whether the trader is a sole proprietor or a company.
• Using an enforcement method that does not suit the trader's assets.

When to speak to a lawyer

Speak to a lawyer when the trader has assets but refuses to pay, or when you need to trace assets or choose an enforcement method. See our civil litigation page; you can also contact us.

Frequently asked questions

Can the trader appeal the TTPM award?

The award is final and binding (s.116). A challenge is usually by way of judicial review in the High Court, on limited grounds.

The trader has closed his shop. Can I still enforce?

Yes, if he has assets. A sole proprietor is personally liable. For a company, check its registration and assets.

Can I add interest to the award?

Only if the award includes interest. The Tribunal can award interest at up to 8% a year (s.112(2)(i)).

Sources & fact check

Legal points in this article were checked against the primary sources below. The law can change; this is general information, not legal advice.

1. Consumer Protection Act 1999 (Act 599), AGC Laws of Malaysia
2. Tribunal for Consumer Claims Malaysia (TTPM, KPDN): jurisdiction (claims up to RM50,000; within three years; exclusions)
3. Rules of Court 2012 (P.U.(A) 205/2012), text published by the Malaysian Bar, including Orders 12, 13, 18, 19 and 93

Fact-checked on 18 Oct 2026