A TRIBUNAL has ordered a contractor to refund a RM2,435 deposit for a grille install that was never carried out.
The claim was brought by a laboratory analyst for the installation at his new home in Taman YPJ Punggai, Pengerang, Kota Tinggi.
Muhamad Rahmat Fadzil said the project was supposed to start about a year ago when he first engaged the contractor.
The claimant said he was quoted RM4,670 for three sets of powder-coated metal grilles for his living room sliding doors, bedroom windows and kitchen back door.
“I transferred RM2,435 to the contractor on Sept 5, 2025,” said the 27-year-old claimant when met outside the Johor Consumer Claims Tribunal at Menara Ansar, Johor Baru.
Muhamad Rahmat said the metal and stainless-steel fabrication company based in Kulai was scheduled to start the project shortly after the payment was made.
“However, the contractor did not show up.
“When I called, he claimed to have overlooked my slot.”
Muhamad Rahmat said he learned about the contractor from his neighbourhood WhatsApp group, as many residents had also hired him to install their house grilles.
The claimant said he was initially confident that the contractor could do the job, based on work he had completed for other residents’ houses.
“Moreover, one of our group members recommended his services to the neighbours,” he added.
Rahmat later discovered he was not the only one dealing with unfinished work.
“Other residents shared the same fate where deposits were taken but the work was never completed.
“I contacted the contractor on March 3, 2026, and demanded he finish the job by April, failing which I would file the case with the Tribunal,” he said.
Tribunal president Hafez Zalkapli ordered the respondent to refund the claimant’s RM2,435 deposit in full within two weeks.
Those requiring assistance regarding Tribunal matters can call 07-2271755/1766.
They can also 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 the Federal and Johor public holidays.
