Sabah is a must-go scuba diving destination to experience stunning and diverse marine life. Plenty of resorts all around the state offer packages for both beginners and experienced divers – but one Malaysian is warning others of one that has been cheating customers since 2020.
Faisal Abdul Rahim recently shared a story with a local media outlet to warn interested divers about an unnamed resort in Sabah that allegedly failed to return deposits to over 100 individuals who booked scuba diving packages. According to Faisal, the resort on Pulau Layang-Layang would offer diving packages to customers, both Malaysians and non-Malaysians, at an undisclosed price, but bookings require a 50% deposit.
However, after placing their deposits, over 100 customers couldn’t proceed with the diving packages because the resort was not operational for several months due to various circumstances. Making matters worse is that the resort issued a letter on 22nd November 2023 stating that they weren’t granted an operating license, which meant they could no longer operate the resort. Unfortunately, the resort also said they wouldn’t refund any of the deposits for the scuba diving packages.
Faisal said the parties affected by the situation pursued a resolution through the Tribunal For Consumer Claims (TTPM). However, the resort avoided accepting any claim documents even when the customers visited their office, the secretary’s office and the resort director’s home. TTPM set a hearing against the resort, but Faisal lamented that the resort representatives didn’t bring proper documentation to the hearing.
TTPM president Haliza Aini Othman had instructed the resort to provide all necessary documents and granted them a month to respond to the claims. However, the representatives failed to appear at the most recent hearing. As a result, TTPM awarded all the affected customers a payment notice for all deposited amounts. As of now, Faisal said those affected are trying to shed light on the resort’s unlawful and unethical actions.
The resort has yet to respond to the claims. However, Faisal wants the public to be aware that the resort continues to accept bookings despite no longer being in operation.
Source: Tamara Jayne
