06-07-2025
Tribunal orders JB woman to refund client RM15,776 for cancelled Japan holiday
Tribunal staff attending to queries at Menara Ansar in Johor Baru.
A HUMAN resources executive and her three relatives had been looking forward to a holiday in Japan this year, but the trip did not materialise.
Koh Ching Ting said the eight-day vacation to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka was supposed to have taken place from March 24 to 31, leaving from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
'We had been attracted to a package promoted by a woman who had claimed to be the person in charge of the trip,' Koh said when met outside the Johor Consumer Claims Tribunal at Menara Ansar, Johor Baru.
'All together, we paid RM17,776 for four persons,' said the 36-year-old claimant.
'We were attracted to the packages after listening to my mother's friends who had gone on vacations arranged by the respondent,' said Koh, adding that the previous groups had only praises for the respondent who had arranged their trips to Vietnam in October 2024 and February 2025
'However, the woman contacted us on March 21, three days before our departure saying that there was a change of plans,' she added.
Koh and her family were told by the respondent that instead of flying to Japan from KLIA, they would have to depart from Singapore's Changi Airport on May 25, and the tour of the three Japanese cities would be extended to April 1.
The claimant said they agreed to the new departure date and flight arrangements.
However, on March 23, the respondent called Koh to cancel the trip altogether.
'The respondent claimed that the Japanese ground agents were against the idea of Malaysians and Singaporeans, numbering about 30 people, travelling as a group,' Koh said.
The respondent promised to refund Koh on April 1.
'I received RM2,000 from her on April 4, and she promised to settle the RM15,776 on May 6.
'However, by May 2, she was not reachable,' said the claimant.
Koh said some of the affected holidaymakers received full refund, the others got only partial refund.
Tribunal president Hafez Zalkapli ordered the respondent to refund RM15,776 to the claimant within two weeks.
Those who need assistance in regard to Tribunal matters can call 07-227 1755/1766, or visit the Tribunal office at Level 17, Menara Ansar, Jalan Trus, Johor Baru, during office hours.
