About RM5k to reinstate back to original condition after 3 years is IMO not excessive ... you can say fridge denting is minor but owner might need to replace whole fridge if it is not “presentable “.... those small small repairs if u cincai do can probable do cheaper but what is the end result?

Maybe you try nego a bit towards RM3k and settle in between ....

I have a friend who is into labour supply industry. So renting houses is a common thing for him. He told me out of 10 houses he rented, 9 deposits are usually forfeited simply because he was unable to restore the place to its original condition (as close as it can be).

Once he tried his luck when the landlord asked him to repaint the house. He had RM1600 deposit with landlord then. He got some painter to do the job and the total cost came to RM1600 (coincidentally). Landlord did return the RM1600 deposit but he got himself into a bit of mess and time wasted having need to repaint the house.

I guess restoration cost can differ quite a fair bit unlike what we have in mind. If landlord willing to forfeit deposit in place of restoration cost and if deposit amount is not that substantial, perhaps it will be a better idea to close the case and move on.

Is painting chargeable to tenant? Painted white for the whole house and handed over, but return house paint all.became yellow with a hint of red. Don't know what the tenant did even fans and air con turned dark yellow

Very subjective. If the discoloration of paint was even to all the surfaces, it is not the sign of vandalism. It is more likely discoloration due to aging & exposure of light. Hence such broad discoloration should not be the responsible of the tenant.

If the discoloration with very obvious color contrast due to someone forcibly applying the colors (red, blue, black, etc.), then yes.

From your description, the yellow discoloration sound more like former scenario, hence it should not be the liability of the tenant.

Sounds like Malaysia landlord like buaya, just like Malaysian real estate agents. Unreasonable and Unethical behavior. Landlord should expect and accept reasonable wear and tear as well as minor damages while tenant should make good damages and clean the unit before handing over. Some replacement cost as the replacement is brand new while it was second hand when tenant took over the rental unit. But also sounds like you didn't take care of the rented premises such that the wall need to be repainted and parquet at toilet is left to become unsightly.