A TECHNICIAN working in Singapore was left disappointed after his house renovation project dragged on for months despite his contractor receiving full payment.
Claimant S. Surendan, 39, said he paid RM15,000 in four instalments for renovation works at his house in Taman Laman Citra, Pontian, Johor.
The works, which included dismantling fencing, laying tiles and installing massage stones, began last Oct 27.
“We were told the renovation could be completed within two weeks, but until March this year the work was still unfinished,” Surendran said when met outside the Johor Consumer Claims Tribunal at Menara Ansar in Johor Baru.
Surendan said the first payment of RM5,000 was made last Oct 26 before construction started, followed by another RM5,000, RM3,000 and a final RM2,000 payment last Nov 14.
He said the contractor’s two workers performed well during the first two days, but were absent over the following days.
“The contractor often gave excuses such as that the workers were not feeling well.
“Sometimes they would only come two or three times a month, work for about one or two hours and spend the rest of the time looking at their phones,” Surendan, who travels daily to Singapore for work, claimed.
He had initially planned to hold a housewarming celebration last December.
He added that on last March 8, the contractor promised to return RM3,000 due to the unfinished work, but no payment was made.
Surendan later filed a claim at the Johor Consumer Claims Tribunal, seeking RM4,000 from the construction company owner, taking into account that some renovation works had already been completed.
Tribunal president Lee Chee Thim ordered the respondent to refund RM4,000 to the claimant, through two payments, before June 17.
Those seeking assistance regarding Tribunal matters can contact 07-227 1566/1766 or visit the Tribunal office at Level 17, Menara Ansar, Jalan Trus here from 8am to 5pm Mondays to Thursdays and from 8am to 4pm on Fridays, except on Federal and Johor public holidays. — By UMESH RAVIKUMAR
