Statutory Tribunals in Malaysia
Statutory Tribunals in Malaysia are specialized quasi-judicial bodies established by specific statutes to handle particular types of disputes. These tribunals aim to provide a more accessible, efficient, and cost-effective means of resolving certain categories of disputes.
Common Statutory Tribunals
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Industrial Court: Deals with trade disputes and matters relating to employment law
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Tribunal for Consumer Claims: Hears consumer complaints against goods and service providers
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Homebuyers Tribunal: Handles disputes between homebuyers and housing developers
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Strata Management Tribunal: Resolves disputes related to strata properties
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Public Services Tribunal: Deals with grievances of public sector employees
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Appeal Board (under various acts): Hears appeals against decisions of certain government bodies
Key Features
- Specialized Expertise: Members often have specific knowledge in the relevant field
- Less Formal: Procedures are generally less formal than in regular courts
- Cost-Effective: Usually cheaper than pursuing cases in civil courts
- Faster Resolution: Aims to resolve disputes more quickly than traditional court processes
Jurisdiction and Powers
The jurisdiction and powers of each tribunal are defined by its enabling statute. Generally, they have the power to:
- Hear evidence
- Summon witnesses
- Make binding decisions within their scope of authority
Significance
Statutory Tribunals are important because they:
- Provide specialized forums for specific types of disputes
- Increase access to justice by offering a more affordable option
- Reduce the caseload of the regular court system
- Often allow for faster resolution of disputes
Limitations
- Decisions may be subject to judicial review by the High Court
- Jurisdiction is limited to what is specified in the relevant statute
- May not have the same enforcement powers as regular courts
For specific information about a particular tribunal, its procedures, or to understand if your case falls under its jurisdiction, please consult legal professionals or the official resources of the relevant tribunal.