A lorry driver embroiled in a dispute with a kitchen cabinet company over pricing and payment terms has been awarded a full refund of his deposit.
The Johor Consumer Claims Tribunal ordered the company to return RM1,650 to 39-year-old S. Muniandy after a planned installation of aluminium cabinets at his home in Ulu Tiram, Johor Baru, hit a stalemate.
Muniandy, who works in Singapore, said he had engaged with the company via social media on Nov 30 last year, seeking a quote for a kitchen cabinet set measuring 6.4m by 7m.
A company representative visited his house at Taman Desa Cemerlang on Dec 1 to take initial measurements, he said outside the Tribunal located at Menara Ansar, Johor Baru.
“At the time, the kitchen was still under renovation and lacked a countertop.”
Muniandy said the company representative quoted RM16,500 for the job and he paid a 10% deposit the following day.
However, he said issues arose on Dec 10 when the representative returned to his home for final measurements after the countertop had been installed by another contractor.
“I felt the cost should be lower since the countertop was already in place, but the representative would not listen,” he explained.
“She claimed the high-quality aluminium used for the doors and trimmings justified the original price.
“When I asked for a breakdown of cost per square foot, we got into an argument and she left without saying when the cabinets would be installed.
“She came again on Dec 13 and demanded I pay the balance of RM14,850 to start the job, but I refused.”
Muniandy said the payment breakdown in the original agreement was 10% upon confirmation, 40% after finalising the design and materials, 40% at commencement of work and 10% upon completion.
“Realising the company was not going to proceed according to the agreement, I decided to hire a new cabinet maker,” he said, adding that a new contractor undertook and completed the job in January this year.
Tribunal president Hafez Zalkapli ordered the respondent to refund RM1,650 to the claimant within two weeks.
Anyone who needs Tribunal assistance can visit the office at Level 17, Menara Ansar, Jalan Trus, Johor Baru, or call 07-2271 755/766 for enquiries.
