Bad things come in attractive packages

PETALING JAYA: If a contractor is not listed by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) or not even licensed, be wary – you could get ripped off on your house renovation.

The same goes for an umrah package priced below RM6,900 – chances are you might end up getting stood up at the airport when you are all set to depart on your pilgrimage.

These are among the tell-tale signs of suspicious contractors and umrah travel operators, warned industry players.

Malaysian Malay Contractors Association president Datuk Seri Mohamed Fadzill Hassan advised consumers not to fall for attractive prices when considering a contractor for their renovations.

He said homeowners should verify if a contractor is listed under the CIBD.

“These (unlisted) contractors would likely have no licence or insurance. They can disappear when they receive the money or when the job turns awry.

“Without any certification, these contractors can offer cheaper alternatives as they can cut corners by not adhering to proper specifications,” he added.

Mohamed Fadzill said it was easy to fall victim to low-quality construction work when the house owner expects one contractor to handle all the renovation work.

“The owner must ensure that the right contractor is hired for the right construction work. If the owner follows the proper guidelines such as hiring contractors who are licensed for renovation work, instead of relying on one contractor to do everything, then he or she will benefit from having a well-completed construction,” he said when contacted.

Consumers can call the CIDB careline at 03-55673300 or go to its website to check on registered contractors.

The Bumiputra Contractors Association said it has repeatedly reminded house owners to always perform proper due diligence before hiring a contractor.

“With the CIMS App run by CIDB, anyone can easily have access and verify if a contractor is registered with it, its class of registration, owners and their contact details,” said its president Datuk Azman Yusoff.

He believes the higher price of building materials and the labour shortage in the construction industry were among the reasons why house owners hired companies not registered with the CIDB.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Umrah and Hajj Travel Agency Association president Datuk Seri Razali Mohd Sham said the floor price for an umrah package over 12 days/10 nights set by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry was capped at RM6,900 per head, with premium umrah packages starting at RM11,000.

He advised the public to verify and check if the travel agencies were licensed by the ministry before proceeding with their travel plans.

Razali also advised consumers to be wary when travel agencies offer packages below the floor price.

“If there are travel agents offering packages lower than the floor price, it could be a scam,” he said.