A bus captain working in Singapore had to postpone moving into his new house in Eko Tropika, Pasir Gudang, twice because of shoddy workmanship.
P. Vikneswaran Kurukkal, 31, said he engaged a contractor from Taman Pulai Hijauan, Johor Baru, to renovate his double-storey house.
“The project’s total cost is RM37,000 and I paid RM31,000 via bank transfers,” he said when met outside the Johor Consumer Claims Tribunal in Johor Baru.
Vikneswaran said the renovation work started on Aug 18, 2025.
He made the first payment of RM5,000 the next day, followed by another RM5,000 on Aug 25.
Subsequent progress payments amounting to RM21,000 were made in five tranches between October 2025 and February this year.
“On March 3, I noticed defects in the kitchen, living room and the backyard.”
Vikneswaran claimed that the sink had gaps, chipped edges, rough surfaces and messy cement patches, while the tiled countertop was improperly sealed.
He said the table top was crooked, which made the cabinet doors uneven, adding that the kitchen tiles had irregular gaps and a poor finish while the backyard had exposed brickwork.
“I reported the defects to the contractor but he did not respond.”
Vickneswaran said only after being repeatedly pressured did the contractor promise to rectify the defects.
However, he had little faith the contractor would carry out the repairs properly.
He ordered the contractor to stop work and withheld the outstanding balance of RM6,000 in order to hire a new contractor.
Tribunal president Hafez Zalkapli ordered the respondent to refund RM13,000 to the claimant within two weeks.
The sum was based on reports by a quantity surveyor engaged by the claimant.
Those who need tribunal assistance can call 07-227 1755/1766 or visit the Johor Consumer Claims Tribunal Office at Level 17, Menara Ansar, Jalan Trus, Johor Baru.
