It has been a long wait to move in for a government-linked company executive who had expected her new semi-detached house in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, to be ready last year.
Her home renovation project started in May 2024 and was slated for completion in July last year, but to date only 80% of the works have been done.
“Even the finishings are shoddy and it looks like we will have to fork out extra money to rectify the shortcomings,” K. Lohshini, 45, said when met outside the Johor Consumers Claims Tribunal at Menara Ansar in Johor Baru.
She said the total cost of the project was RM910,000, involving major renovation works for the house in Horizon Hills.
Lohshini said she found the contractor via social media platforms and following recommendations from neighbours.
She added that the scope of the renovation project included extension of the whole house and tiling for spaces like the kitchen and balcony.
The claimant transferred RM10,000 in April 2024, as a deposit for the contractor to start work the following month.
Subsequently, she made six payments via bank transfers based on the progress of the renovation, starting from June 7, 2024, to June 11, 2025, bringing the amount to RM910,000.
“We were looking forward to moving to the new place in July last year, but found the work – including the wiring, painting, cornice, air-conditioning and pool – unfinished,” said Lohshini.
The claimant raised the issue with a consumers association and the contractor – whose office is in Taman Tan Sri Yaacob, Johor Baru – promised to complete the job in September.
“However, the contractor failed to do so and we had no choice but to file the case with the tribunal,” said Lohshini.
Tribunal president Lee Chee Thim ordered the respondent to refund RM50,000 to the claimant within two weeks.
The RM50,000 is the maximum claim limit for most tribunals in Malaysia.
Those who need Tribunal assistance can call 07-227 1755 /1766 or visit the Tribunal office at Level 17, Menara Ansar, Jalan Trus, Johor Baru from 8am to 5pm on Mondays to Thursdays, 8am to 4pm on Fridays, except on federal and state public holidays.
