SIBU: More than 20 individuals have fallen victim to a housing construction scam, including cases of complete house construction and renovations, with estimated losses totalling RM1.8 million.
According to National Consumer Action Council (MTPN) Sibu branch chairman, Lucas Lau, the scam began with advertisements on Facebook from a contractor company actively promoting its services. The company also registered as a vendor at roadshows around the central region from December 2022 to November 2023 to attract potential customers.
“During these roadshows, the company displayed various house plans, brochures, and model houses to convince victims.
“This contractor also appointed several agents to seek out potential buyers, offering customised house plans to suit customers’ preferences and budgets. The tagline ‘Build a house on your own land’ made their offer seem highly convincing.
“The tactic used involved requesting advance payments, with promises that the remaining payments could be made in stages according to the progress of construction. The company, posing as a developer, even signed written agreements with victims, detailing payment schedules,” he said during a press conference at the MTPN office yesterday (Feb 22).
However, Lau said that after the first payment was made, construction work was often only completed five to 10 per cent before being abandoned indefinitely.
Initially, victims were reported from Bintulu, Betong, Sarikei, Sibu, Sibu Jaya, Kanowit, Selangau, and Mukah, including Dalat, Matu, and Daro. However, more recently, victims from Sri Aman and Miri have also come forward.
MTPN representatives visited the company’s registered branch address to file complaints but found that the office had been closed for some time and was no longer in operation.
“At the same time, we attempted to contact the contractor for discussion but received no response. Their Facebook page has also been shut down.
“MTPN has since consulted several lawyers for legal advice on the next course of action. We strongly urge victims to file police reports and encourage more affected individuals to come forward.
“We also want to remind the public to be cautious when selecting contractors for house construction and other related services,” he added.
