A MOBILE phone shop assistant was looking forward to working in the aquaculture field after completing a course at an academy in Pekan Nanas, Pontian in Johor, but instead his hopes were dashed.
Li Jia Chin said the academy offering the course claimed it was accredited and certified by a British organisation.
“I later found out that this was not true,” he said when met outside the Johor Baru Consumer Claims Tribunal.
The 27-year-old paid RM27,800 for the one-year Diploma in Integrated Aquaculture, and even borrowed RM15,000 from his parents to pay the fees.
He started attending classes in October 2020 and received a certificate upon completion.
Li said he had wanted to work in fish farming or ornamental fish breeding.
He said that as the certificate was not recognised, he could not use it when applying for a job.
“I want my money back as I need to repay my parents,” said Li who now works as a pharmacy sales assistant.
Tribunal president Lee Chee Thim ordered the respondent, who did not attend the hearing, to return RM28,000 to the claimant within two weeks.
Another claimant, Chang Rong Cheng, 21, said he paid RM28,000 to earn the same diploma and intended to work in Singapore after obtaining the diploma.
Chang said the academy was no longer operating and he was told the owner had moved to Kuala Lumpur.
Tribunal president Lee Chee Thim ordered the respondent to return RM28,000 to Chang within two weeks.
For help on tribunal matters, call 07-227 1755/1766. — By ZAZALI MUSA
