Tribunal rejects Singaporean's tax refund claim due to jurisdiction issue

The Star

30-06-2025

Lim says the claimant had written a negative review of the company which was later picked up by a digital media portal.
A SINGAPOREAN had his claim against an electrical appliances outlet dismissed by the Johor Consumer Claims Tribunal.
Claimant SB Koo had demanded the respondent refund customs tax paid by him, claiming the respondent had cheated him.
Respondent Izonic Electrical Sdn Bhd director Lim Chee Khoon said the company was willing to meet with Koo.
'We are willing to meet him to resolve the matter, but he refused,' Lim said outside the Johor Consumer Claims Tribunal at Menara Ansar, Johor Baru.
Lim said the claimant wrote a negative review of the company and this was picked up by a digital media portal on the island republic.
The respondent said the portal ran the story with the heading 'Singaporean man allegedly asked to pay S$268 for 'customs tax' after buying RM1,400 water filter in JB'.
Lim said the portal published the story on Feb 2 after the claimant made the purchase of the electrical items on Jan 17.
Lim, 37, said Koo, 61, went to the mall in Taman Abad, Johor Baru, with his wife.
The couple decided to buy home electrical appliances on display at the outlet.
The items were a water filter, Thermos pot, induction cooker, stainless-steel wok and a set of four ceramic bowls, totalling RM4,588.
'They were given a RM50 voucher which brought the bill down to RM4,538,' Lim said, adding that the claimant paid using a debit card.
Lim then sent the couple home to their Housing Development Board flat by car on Jan 17.
Lim claimed that he paid S$268 (RM888) in taxes on Koo's behalf at the Causeway and was later reimbursed.
Lim also made an appointment to instal the water filter on Jan 18, which the claimant agreed to.
'The claimant called our Singaporean representative on Jan 18 to inform him that he was busy and not at home,' said the respondent.
Lim said the representative called Koo many times to fix another appointment date but his calls went unanswered.
During the hearing, Tribunal president Hafez Zalkapli reminded both parties any decision made by the Tribunal could not be challenged.
Hafez dismissed Koo's claim, explaining that it was not the jurisdiction of the Tribunal to hear cases related to tax disputes as the case should be filed with the small claims court.
A small claims court is a specialised court handling civil disputes involving relatively small amounts of money, offering a faster and more affordable alternative to traditional litigation.
Those needing Tribunal assistance can call 07-227 1755 or 07-227 1766, or visit the Johor Consumer Claims Tribunal at Level 17, Menara Ansar, Jalan Trus, Johor Baru.