KUCHING, June 10 2026: Sarawak Consumers’ Association (PPS) has reminded members of the public to be wary with advertisements that offer “free inspection” service on Facebook and other social media platforms.
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Its president Dr Wynson Ong Teck Ping said PPS has received a complaint from a woman involving a leak repair service advertised on Facebook with a “Free Inspection” offer.
“A woman claimed to have paid RM3,000 for the repair work suggested by two men who came to her house.
“However, the problem encountered failed to be resolved and the individual who carried out the work could no longer be contacted,” he said.
According to the woman, she contacted a Facebook advertisement offering a free inspection for a leak problem under the kitchen sink.
He added two foreign men from China on May 26, 2026 at approximately 9.30am, came to her house to carry out an inspection.
“The complainant stated that she had asked whether the problem was caused by a leak or a blocked drain.
“However, without a thorough inspection or the use of appropriate detection equipment, the two men immediately concluded that the problem was a leak and suggested repair work using a special drilling and injection method,” Dr Ong said.
He said the woman repeatedly asked for an explanation of the amount of material used and the basis for calculating the cost, but the two men failed to provide a satisfactory explanation and never submitted a written quotation before the work was carried out.
He said since the work had been completed and the woman did not have the technical knowledge to determine whether the charge was reasonable or not, she was in a confused and stressed state.
“In a situation of unclear information and believing the assurance that the problem had been successfully resolved, the complainant finally agreed to pay RM3,000 after several negotiations.
“The complainant explained that the payment was made in a situation where she did not have sufficient information to assess whether the charges were reasonable or not.
“It is understood that the RM3,000 payment was transferred to a personal bank account belonging to a local individual and not to a clear or registered company account,” Dr Ong said.
Dr Ong also said similar complaints, posted on Facebook and other social media platforms, have been reported in Malaya.
He said it also found out that many Facebook accounts and advertising pages promoting such services were newly created accounts, had limited operating records and did not display company information, business address or clear background of the owner.
“Among the services that are often promoted include free leak inspection; waterproofing repair; toilet leak; kitchen leak; and floor and tile repair.
“Most advertisements use the approach of offering a free inspection before suggesting expensive repair work,” Dr Ong said.
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