KUALA LUMPUR: Homeowners are encouraged to educate and familiarise themselves with a construction agreement to avoid falling victim to renovation scams.
Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) chief executive officer, Datuk Mohd Zaid Zakaria, said a sample of a construction agreement can be downloaded from the CIDB website.
"The sample will list out responsibilities and contractual obligations of all parties involved in a renovation project and it is very easy to understand.
"Besides that, homeowners must also be informed of the latest costs of construction materials, labour and laws and regulations imposed by local councils on renovation works," he said.
He said this in his speech while officiating the Malaysian Interior Industry Partners Association's (MIIP) launching of its video titled 'Don't Fall Victim to Online Renovation Contractor Scam' as a part of its effort to maintain consumer protection and industry integrity.
Also present was the Member of Parliament (MP) for Seputeh, Teresa Kok, who received around 30 renovation scam-related complaints amounting to millions of ringgit in losses.
In her speech, she said most of the victims did not possess knowledge of a proper construction agreement and do not know how to request for such an agreement to be made while negotiating a renovation project.
"As such, I appreciate CIDB for making the effort to create a sample of a construction agreement and educate the public, especially homeowners, in knowing their basic rights on this matter," she said.
Homeowners or contractors who face issues regarding construction of all renovation projects are reminded to lodge a report to CIDB at 03-55673300 or by filling up the e-Bantuan form at https://www.cidb.gov.my/e-bantuan/.
The 'Don't Fall Victim to Online Renovation Contractor Scam' video can be viewed at MIIP's official website at https://miip.com.my and social media platforms starting later tonight (December 8). — Bernama