THE Johor Consumer Claims Tribunal ordered a contractor to refund RM21,585 for not completing renovation works.
S. Shahshilen Kumar said he was due to move into his new house in the middle of this year but could not do so as only 65% of the work had been completed.
“Now, we might have to wait until January or February next year,” he said when met outside the Tribunal at Menara Ansar, Johor Baru.
The claimant hired the contractor from Bandar Baru Kangkar Pulai to renovate his three-storey cluster house in Taman Mutiara Bestari, Skudai.
Shahshilen said the work scope included extension of the kitchen, bedroom and balcony, plaster ceiling, wiring, tiling and paint work.
“The total cost for the project was RM119,000,’’ said the building maintenance technician who works in Singapore.
Shahsilen said the contractor was supposed to start work on Jan 5, but only showed up with his workers about a week later.
“The contractor promised that the work would be done by May 1.
“Altogether, I made 16 transactions amounting to RM109,000,” he added.
On May 3, Shahsilen said the contractor asked for an extension and was given two weeks.
However, by June, work had started to slow down, he said.
“The security guards informed me that the workers only came three times a week, based on entry and exit records.”
Shahsilen said the contractor disappeared in early July and he had to hire a certified quantity surveyor to inspect the unfinished job.
“Based on the estimated value of work completed and materials on site, he found that the contractor owes me RM21,585,” said Shahshilen.
Tribunal president Hafez Zalkapli ordered the respondent to refund RM21,585 to the claimant within two weeks.
Those needing assistance regarding Tribunal matters can call 07-227 1755/1766.
