As an Association looking after the interest of her members, the role of PAWOA can be viewed as representative function, consultative function and member service provider.
REPRESENTATIVES FUNCTION
This is considered the key role of PAWOA. More often than not, a workshop owner cannot act independently if he is aggrieved, but collectively, he can have his voice heard at the highest level. Both through its representational channels, and directly with Government departments, PAWOA is at all times at work for the automobile repair and service industry at state level. And through PAWOA membership at FAWOAM, PAWOA also put through the state members’ voices at national level.
Over the years, PAWOA has make various representations on various industry issues to state Government Departments and bodies like the Royal Custom & Excises Department, the Ministry of Domestic Trade & Consumers Affairs, the Mentri Besar’s Office and Land & Mines Department, as well as the local authorities like the Ipoh City Hall.
On institutional bodies, whether it is social or business, PAWOA maintain close links with the Perak Chinese Chamber of Commerce and other trade association like the Perak Lorry Owners’ Association; the Perak Chapter of Malaysia Association of Tyre Retreaders & Dealers Society, and the Peak Foot Reflexlogy Association.
CONSULTATIVE FUNCTION
Apart from playing its consultative roles with State authorities and institutional bodies, PAWOA also supplement this role with its parent body, FAWOAM at national level. Many a times, PAWOA has strongly supported the parent body in their stand for fair and transparent trading conditions in the collision repair industry.
The increasing importance of the automobile industry in the economic development of our country, coupled with challenges expected in anticipations of AFTA means there is a stronger needs of partnership between the government and our industry, as to protect and grow our industry, as well as the economy.
In recent times, at State level PAWOA has been consulted on issues like the resettlement of the member workshops in the city centre, the towing operations along the PLUS Highway and city routes; while PAWOA is also actively involved in the advisory role of the running of the automotive Training Program by the Yuk Choy Independent High School.
MEMBER SERVICES
Currently members can obtain information on Government procedures and regulations, participation in PAWOA seminars and trade missions and other matters affecting the automobile repair industry.
Over the years, PAWOA is working with the parent body in Kuala Lumpur helps its memberships in their submissions for approval and compliances with Governmental regulatory requirements; one of which is the “kereta sambung” issue.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Whether we are sponsoring local events, or supporting a charity, giving back and contributing to the community is a very important part of what PAWOA stands for. Our members also give back to our local communities by participating in fund raisers, sponsorships and apprentice programs, enriching the lives of the people they work and live with.
In 1991, PAWOA played an active role in sourcing for financial, as well as material supports from our memberships, suppliers and services providers, for the setting up of the Automotive Training Department at the Yuk Choy Independent High School in Jelapang, Ipoh. And, in 2003, at the 25th anniversary celebration of PAWOA’s founding, our memberships raised over RM88,000.00 for the upgrading of the automotive training department training facilities.
In 2006, during its 28th anniversary celebration, the PAWOA memberships managed to raise over RM36,000.00 from its memberships and their generous suppliers and service providers to support the local charitable bodies like the Palliative Care Society of Perak; the Perak Thalassaemia Society of Perak and the Woh Peng Cheang Seah Dialysis Centre in Ipoh.
And, every year since PAWOA formation in 1978, during its anniversary celebrations, PAWOA distributes out more than RM5,000.00 in bursary awards to the deserving children of its memberships, to encourage them to work harder toward excellence!
WORKSHOP DISCLOSURE INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS
To fulfil PAWOA objective of creating awareness and promoting compliance of the Workshop Disclosure Information Requirements, PAWOA has worked with FAWOAM and office of the Ministry of Domestic Trade & Consumer Affairs to conduct briefings on the requirements. Through PAWOA, members are furnished with the guidelines of these requirements, as well as the display of the "Recommended Labour Price List" and the "Consumer's Right to Information Notice Board".
NATIONAL TOWING SCHEME
To enhance the image of our industry, PAWOA operates a nationwide towing program under the auspices of FAWOAM. Under this program members are guided by a set of Towing Rules and a Standard Towing Charges. To safeguard the interest of the motoring public, PAWOA members are issued with an Association authority card. And to ensure operational safety, members are required to be attired with the FAWOAM Standard Reflective Vests and all tow trucks to be properly equipped with Fist Aid Boxes and Safety Cones as markers.
TRAINING
To enhance the automobile repair services, PAWOA has been working with Skill Development Department [Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran (JPK)] to accredit Repairers for their trade and on-the-job acquired experience through the JPK sanctioned Accreditation of Prior Achievement Programs.
To help members to enhance their knowledge under this accreditation program, PAWOA holds Training and Seminars on Workshop Safety, Supervisory Management, as well as technical issues on new features found in today cars. Continuing Education programs feature strongly in PAWOA plan to upgrade the industry.
INFRASTRUCTURE
An example where PAWOA has assisted to ensure the business sustainability of its members, was that over the past years PAWOA has acted proactively to lobby and negotiated with the State Government to secure affordable industrial lands for its members – one of such is the land for the resettlement of PAWOA members affected by the state government proposed plan for Kampung Kuchai in the new town area.
TRADE VISIT
Working together with our parent body, the FAWOAM, PAWOA organizes trade visits to enable members to observe and learn the rapid developments of the motor industry in other countries. Over the years, PAWOA members have joined in trade visits to countries like Thailand, Singapore, China and Australia.
Biennially, PAWOA works with FAWOAM to enable the PAWOA members to visit the biennial Automechanika Malaysia tradeshow, and the FAWOAM Convention in Kuala Lumpur.
MEDIATIONS
Through the Mediation Committee, PAWOA assists member workshops in mediating any differences or misunderstandings they may have between themselves, so as to encourage a true spirit of industry fellowship, harmony and fair trading.
PAWOA also offers consumers, who may have complaints relating to member workshop services, mediation services so as to uphold our objective of providing good services, and respect for our Customers.
