Previously, a Dato’ was caught in a viral dispute after being accused of not paying renovation fees amounting to more than RM200,000.
The accusation, which spread widely on social media, has now been proven false with evidence showing the Dato’ never owed any money and had actually overpaid RM32,575.70 to the contractor instead.
The viral accusation
In 2021, a contractor took to social media claiming that a Dato’ had failed to pay him for renovating a three-storey luxury home.
Videos and photos circulated online showed the contractor walking through the nearly completed house, pointing at the kitchen, bathroom and bedrooms while shouting that he had not been paid.
In one clip, the Dato’ could be seen quietly recording the incident with his phone while a security guard repeatedly urged the contractor to leave, reported by China Press.
The contractor refused, saying he had already lodged a police report. He even filmed the Dato’s luxury car, mocking that someone who could afford such a vehicle and home should not owe money.
The videos quickly spread on social media, with some users criticising the Dato’, while others urged caution, saying the full story was unknown.
Dato’: The renovation was never completed
The Dato’ involved, Mr. Chan Yew Siang (62), later responded through his lawyer to clarify the situation.
He said that both parties had signed a renovation contract in July 2020, with the work originally scheduled for completion by December 15, 2020.
According to China Press, the contractor requested multiple extensions, citing delays caused by the movement control order (MCO) and other reasons.
Even after being granted three extensions, including one until January 15, 2021, the contractor still failed to complete the project.
Dato’ Chan then terminated the contract lawfully and hired another contractor to finish the remaining work.
He said that when the first contractor later returned to collect his leftover tools and materials, he instead recorded and uploaded videos that damaged his reputation.
Dato’ Chan also confirmed that he had lodged a police report and intended to take legal action for defamation.
Arbitrator ruled Dato’ never owed money
The dispute was later brought to arbitration. The arbitrator ruled that Dato’ Chan had acted within his rights to terminate the contract, as the contractor failed to complete the renovation within the agreed time.
Importantly, the findings showed that the Dato’ did not owe the contractor any money — instead, he had overpaid RM32,575.70.
Civil court settlement and public apology
Dato’ Chan later filed a defamation lawsuit in civil court in 2021. The case was settled in October 2025, with the contractor ordered to pay RM105,000 in compensation and to issue a public apology in Sin Chew Daily.
The apology notice published on October 12, 2025, read:
I hereby issue my unreserved apology to Chan Yew Siang for making defamatory statements against him in 2021 at his residence, on Facebook, and through banners. Both parties have agreed to put aside their differences and settle Civil Suit No. WA-23NCvC-57-06/2021 amicably.”
Dato’ Chan was represented by lawyer Joshua Kong from Daljit Singh Partnership, who confirmed that the Dato’s name has been fully cleared and the matter resolved amicably.
What began as a viral accusation ended with a very different truth.
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