KUALA LUMPUR – A former lecturer has won her consumer rights battle after a diamond-studded gold bracelet purchased from Habib Jewels repeatedly broke despite assurances of quality.
Professor Dr Samihah Khalil of Perlis was awarded full compensation by the Perlis Consumer Claims Tribunal, which ruled that her rights as a buyer had been compromised.
Samihah said she bought the glittering bracelet from Habib Jewels to wear during Hari Raya celebrations, believing it to be of high quality.
“After only a few uses, the bracelet snapped. I sent it for repair but was charged a fee. Not long after, the same bracelet broke again,” she told Market Eagles.
Following the second breakage and another repair charge, Samihah attempted to resolve the matter with Habib Jewels but failed to reach a satisfactory settlement. With legal advice from her friend, Sabah lawyer Datuk Seri K. Rakhbir Singh, she filed a claim with the Tribunal in Kangar.
The Tribunal eventually ordered Habib Jewels to refund the full purchase price, return all repair charges, and compensate Samihah for her travel expenses. She expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stressing that jewelry should be durable, not repeatedly repaired.
“I’m grateful to Datuk Seri Rakhbir Singh for guiding me through the process, and to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) for providing the Tribunal facility. Filing a claim cost only RM5 plus registered postage,” she said.
Samihah urged consumers not to remain silent when their rights are violated, encouraging them to use the proper channels to ensure justice is upheld. – May 3, 2026