Couple alleges signature forgery by auto service center, seeks investigation

Borneo Post

22-05-2025

Mr and Mrs Lim (center) with Michelle (right) and Ethan at the press conference.
KOTA KINABALU (May 22): A couple is calling on the relevant authorities to investigate an automotive service center for allegedly forging their signatures on repair documents for their vehicle.
Mr and Mrs. Lim said they have been experiencing emotional distress after sending their vehicle for repair at an automotive service center in Inanam on October 11, 2024.
'There was a problem with the vehicle's engine, so I sent it in for repair. After getting the vehicle back, I found that not only was the original problem not resolved, but new issues had also appeared,' Mr. Lim said.
He explained that when he returned to the service center to inquire, he was verbally informed that the issue was related to the turbo system, with no mention of the engine. He was also charged RM5,000 for the repair work.
'To this day, I have not received any written report, technical documentation, or official repair proposal from them,' he said when met at the National Consumer Action Council (MTPN) Sabah on Thursday.
Lim said all attempts to seek further clarification from the service center were ignored.
'It feels like this service center doesn't care about its customers and is very unprofessional. This attitude has made me lose all confidence in them, which led me to file a complaint with the Consumer Claims Tribunal on November 19, 2024,' he said.
During the tribunal session, Lim was shocked to discover that several documents submitted by the service center contained signatures that did not belong to either him or his wife.
'We believe this automotive service center forged my wife's signature on several documents and presented them to the tribunal to protect themselves. The dates on the alleged signed documents were also suspicious, as we were overseas on those specific days,' he added, noting that a police report had also been lodged.
Lim said the tribunal's official decision on January 20, 2025, ordered the service center to bear the full cost of the repair, although no refund was imposed.
'Throughout this ordeal, my wife and I have experienced mental stress due to the poor treatment and irresponsibility of the service center. We feel our rights as consumers have been ignored and violated.
'We filed a complaint with MTPN Sabah to urge them to monitor this service center and take appropriate action to ensure consumer rights are protected and that such incidents do not happen in the future.
'I also urge all service providers in the automotive sector to act responsibly and prioritize honesty and transparency in their dealings with customers,' he said.
Meanwhile, Michelle Liew Pei Yee, head of the MTPN Sabah Complaints Bureau, said the organization views this case seriously as it directly impacts consumer rights and the reputation of the service industry.
'We emphasize that all service providers, especially in the automotive sector, must not take customer trust for granted. Transparency, accountability and clear communication are essential to maintain consumer confidence.
'MTPN Sabah will continue to monitor and support all efforts to protect consumer rights and assist those facing similar issues. We also encourage the public not to remain silent, but to come forward and lodge formal complaints when faced with suspicious or unfair situations,' she said.
For inquiries or to file a complaint, the public can contact MTPN Sabah at 011-3618 0118.
Also present during the briefing was the couple's lawyer, Ethan Liew Kah Wah.