A Bali airfare gift that wasn't
By Chuah Bee Kim
news@nst.com.my
JOHOR BARU: A beautician lost her case in the Consumer Claims Tribunal as she failed to read the contents of an agreement before signing up to be a club member.
Ng Mong Yin, 22, told the tribunal here yesterday that she paid RM698 to become a life member of the Fortune Club scheme launched by Smartbiz Excel Sdn Bhd.
The scheme offered members access to a wide range of services, such as special travel and tour packages.
Ng said the salesman had told her at a hypermarket in Tampoi, where she joined the scheme on Feb 23, that a flight fare would be included in the "four-day, three-night" holiday package.
"I wanted to go to Bali, so I paid RM200 in cash and RM498 by credit card," said Ng.
However, two days after signing, she claimed that she could not reach the salesman, nor could she get anyone at the company's office as the telephone line was always busy.
Ng claimed her anguish grew when she could not get through after a week.
She told tribunal president Siti Naaishah Hambali that the company eventually returned her call, but said the cost of the flight ticket for the holiday would have to be borne by her as the company provided only free accommodation.
Naaishah, however, said Ng was not eligible for the flight tickets as it was not stated in the voucher given to her when she signed up.
She advised her to carefully read the terms and conditions before signing up for anything.
"Do not trust the word of salesmen when they offer gifts."
Naaishah, however, ordered Smartbiz Excel representative Sallehuddin Amir to make the arrangements for Ng to go on her holiday within three months.
Ng, she said, had the choice to go to any destinations offered, which does not necessitate air travel.
Naaishah also reprimanded Smartbiz Excel for not observing ethical business practices.
"You have to explain the terms and conditions of what you are offering to your customers and not mislead them."
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