Hi Sifu sekalian,

Need ask your opinions. TLDR,

1. We paid almost RM300,000 for a renovation project for a business
2. Contractor only completed 65% and give a lot of reasons, keep on cannot deliver
3. The contractor deducted RM50,000 for the incomplete works and then subsequently add another RM180,000 for different charges as new VO
4. Funny thing is, previous 'FOC' item suddenly claimed, because he keep argue he didn't earn profit from this project, despite all quotations signed initially.
5. Claiming we still owe them RM130,000 (RM180,000 Extras - RM50,000 undelivered works) despites all the shitty works delivered
6. Electricity all substandard, we need to rework on alot of things

Long story short, lesson learnt. But what should we do now?

Please don't ask where, why so stupid etc. Just too long story that will affect your day and mood. Admittedly, we cant believe we in this situation too.

Update 22/2:
1. They still continuously demand RM130,000 payment.
2. Just to clarify, for example painting works RM50,000 (Part of the RM300,000) in the original quotation, after things cannot delivered, they come to us and say actually painting works is RM120,000 .. you still owe RM70,000 extra works.. thats why it jack up a new bill of RM180,000.
3. Current new contractor including electricity and cover unfinished parts around RM100,000+.
4. We will report polis to cover and proceed with lawyer next week.

Update 23/2:
1. Pulis ask go for commercial crime as well, but honestly they so friendly la - ask us dont worry etc. Done.
2. Legal should be tomorrow
3. Contractor ask to settle peacefully

Need to put all this down so everyone will not be a victim like us anymore. Thank you!

This post has been edited by eldenring: Feb 23 2025, 01:29 PM

The amount is over what is allowed by Small Claims Court, so it looks like you can only resort to civil action.

When it comes to contractors, always pay in stages not big lump sum.

This is a piece of advice when engaging contractor.

1)whatever request/item u demanded, the C forever no problem, never advice against - CAUTION

2)when u minta discount, very easy the C agree & oblige - CAUTION

3)the way the C speak, very friendly, very soft, apa pun boleh, apa pun ok - CAUTION

FNB??

U still have enuf fund to start business??

If you got money then

Number 2
If got proof sue for them for cheating. Technical term I dont know lar for cheating. Better sue also for compensation of how much you loss like need hire other contractors. Cannot use the house and need to paid rent for existing place.

Number4
Can sue for breach of contract but if you give approvel then cannot do anything since you already give approval for them to claim.

Number6
This the easiest one because no contractor can follow 100 electrical code. If they use non sirim cable these more than enough to sue them. If they max out the piping and trunking till compress the cable then another good point to sue them because there suppose to be if not mistaken need free space 30% . Also if some cable is expose with no piping or they conceal wall directly then another good point.

C M or orangputeh or orang alien also got good or cheating type.

So now what should i do? Sue them or not.

Definitely should engage lawyer and sue them

You have already bleed enough funds on this contractor, so no point listening to their BS story anymore

I don't see how in any future, to avoid this kind of scammer

I can see that someone would be at the contractor's mercy.

let say you got project 300k, and I was wondering if can do by progress payment

when they finish 10%, you pay 10%.

This way can mitigate loss, right? But me not being specialize in construction, may not be able to judge that 10%.

moreover, working people like me no time to go inspect renovation unless its the house I am living in.

You could hire someone to check on the contractor's work. About RM 2k to RM3k a month (few years ago, now don't know the price already) The workers will term that person "kerani" for Clerk-of-works. The CoW will check the drawings are followed, correct materials used, and the progress of works according to schedule for payment release (you must pre-decide the progress with the contractor) etc. Many years ago I did this job, so I know it exists. Half million renovation so worth it to spend 5% on making sure it is done right by hiring a CoW.

Yes, thats a big lesson. But we definitely take legal action to ensure no further victim.

Did you sign the Variation Order? or instruct them to change via phone call/whatapps?

If no then consult your lawyer, most likely u don't have to pay the outstanding, after settle this lousy electrical contractor, u need to hire another one to clean up the shit left behind.

No sign anything, the contractor now threatened to demolish everything next week if not paid today.

u better secure the site now to prevent any demolishment

Yes, not easy.

U need to have a bit of construction/renovation knowledge.

So when u ask the contractor, like how he's gonna work thru some issues, or what's the workflow.

From the answer, u can tell if he's trying to cut corners or just give empty promise & so on.

Hire some freelance chartered QS to administer the contract. The set back is, if the amount is too small, the QS will not entertain you.

The best in my opinion, is still to get the contractor recommended from the trusted friends or connection.

Try report to CIDB

Did he apply all the necessary permits like council and also insurance?

but how to find this kind of people?

they don't exactly advertise their services?

try to engage and get cipaa advices.
not sure they can help you as an end user / client to a contractor

just recently i got 2friends kena con, no contract. give big lumpsum, cant deliver add money, quality really bad, very high VO, cannot get ccc