KUCHING – The Sarawak Consumers Association (PPS) has called for immediate investigations into what it suspects may be a coordinated scam involving foreign nationals offering home repair services across several districts in the state.
The association revealed that complaints have surged in recent weeks, with victims reporting similar experiences after engaging services advertised on Facebook.
These promotions often offered free inspections, but later resulted in unexpected charges and unresolved repairs. PPS confirmed that cases have been documented in Kuching, Sibu, Miri, and Bintulu, with losses ranging from RM2,700 to RM5,600 per household.
According to PPS, the pattern of complaints suggests that the activities may not be isolated incidents but part of a larger organised operation. Victims reported being pressured into making payments without clear breakdowns of costs, often transferred into personal bank accounts.
Once payments were made, service providers became unreachable, leaving the original problems unresolved.
Dr Wynson Ong Teck Ping, President of PPS, stressed that the growing number of reports points to a wider issue.
“Apabila mangsa dari beberapa bahagian di Sarawak dan juga Semenanjung Malaysia tampil dengan pola aduan yang hampir sama, ia menimbulkan persoalan serius sama ada terdapat satu rangkaian atau sindiket yang sedang mengambil kesempatan terhadap pengguna melalui platform media sosial,” he said.
He further highlighted concerns about public safety and immigration compliance, noting that all individuals involved were identified as foreign workers from China.
“Kami amat bimbang kerana semua pekerja yang hadir ke rumah pengguna merupakan warga asing dari China. Status kemasukan dan permit kerja mereka perlu disemak segera oleh pihak berkuasa,” he added.
PPS warned that beyond financial losses, residents may be exposing themselves to security risks by allowing strangers of uncertain identity into their homes.
The association emphasised that a home should remain a safe space, and urged authorities to act before more serious incidents occur.
Some victims have lodged police reports, but PPS noted that cases were not classified as fraud since the workers had performed some form of repair, albeit ineffective.
The association argued that the recurring nature of complaints warrants closer scrutiny by enforcement agencies.
In response, PPS has already engaged with the Kuching District Police Chief and welcomed the swift feedback received.
The association is now urging the Royal Malaysia Police, the Immigration Department, and other relevant authorities to investigate thoroughly, identify those involved, and verify their legal status in Malaysia.
PPS clarified that it does not oppose the presence of foreign workers who operate legally, but insisted that all individuals must hold valid permits and comply with national regulations.
The association also advised the public to remain cautious when dealing with online advertisements for home repair services, particularly those lacking clear business addresses, licences, or verifiable records.
Consumers who suspect they have fallen victim to similar schemes are encouraged to file police reports and contact PPS to assist in gathering evidence. Complaints can be directed to PPS via 017-710 9299.
