Chef Wan pans errant contractor for taking almost R500k for shoddy, half-baked work

 

AS USUAL, Datuk Redzuawan Ismail or better known as Chef Wan is using his favourite weapon – social media – to go after those who have wronged him.

This time the target of his is a husband-and-wife contractor team the popular celebrity chef had hired to renovate his late mother’s country home.

In a lengthy tirade on his Instagram page (@chefwan_58), the 66-year-old restauranteur highlighted the shoddy and unfinished work to his country villa. The post was accompanied by pictures and videos highlighting the many defects and half-baked installations.

Aside from the uncompleted work, Chef Wan was greatly angered that his antique furniture and multitude of sofas were left unprotected during the renovations, resulting in them being covered in layers of dirt. He now has to send them to be re-upholstered and refurbished at great expense.

The TV host who is no stranger to social media said he had told the contractor couple that their work – good or bad – would be highlighted on his platforms. Do great work and expect a lot of enquiries from the exposure.

However, he warned that the opposite would also be highlighted, insinuating that their reputation would be forever tarnished.

This is when Chef Wan claimed that the contractor couple who had charged him close to half-a-million ringgit has since absconded. To this end, he said legal action would ensue to recover the monies paid.

His latest troubles were widely shared across various social media.

For instance, X users Abang aji and Rizal Hakimm Punyer lamented that this was the chef’s reward for trying to help fellow Bumiputera entrepreneurs.

Of course, it only takes a few bad apples to spoil the whole cart with a few netizens casting aspersions on all Bumiputera contractors.

One shared similar experience – though on a much lower scale – that left the poster with such a bad taste that he claimed he could never trust his own brethren again.

More than a few made comparisons based on race of vendors.

With some observing that non-Malay contractors may be more expensive but at least they get the job done.

While another said these episodes happen precisely because of the mentality of wanting to help one’s own kind.

Another used this as a prime example to reject the racist rhetoric peddled by certain politicians.

This unfortunate episode highlights a few worthy lessons. Firstly, such incidences are not uncommon in Malaysia with tales of hapless homeowners being swindled by unscrupulous contractors regardless of race.

It was also suggested that staggered payments be made based on work done to avoid being taken for a ride.

Last but not least, perhaps, Malaysians need to get past making such decisions based on race but instead focus on track record and actual capabilities.

 

- Focus Malaysia