GEORGE TOWN – The Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA) has issued a statement condemning disparaging words uttered by a real estate negotiator and another individual from Penang against Grab drivers and Grab food riders.
In a video posted on social media two days ago, both individuals were seen to be conducting a drive to recruit real estate agents.
However, it went awry when the Mandarin-speaking duo started to insult Grab drivers and food riders, saying that they will never end up rich, triggering negative responses from netizens.
In the video, after stating that they “do not mean to talk bad about Grab riders”, the duo proceeded to say that Grab drivers and Grab food riders will never get rich, before proceeding to laugh at those who chose the career path.
Further investigation showed that the woman in the video is allegedly the man’s aunt and not a real estate negotiator.
However, the man is a certified real estate agent and has a record in MIEA.
He is also known to be a “super-agent” who, at age 28, has acquired wealth to afford a Vellfire, a personal driver and a RM200,000 timepiece.
MIEA CEO K. Soma Sundram, told The Vibes that the man who made the statement must take responsibility for what he said as many were angered by his remarks in the video.
“Many are upset with the real estate agents, despite us working hard to deliver the best services, and many of us are not as successful as him.
“He has set a very bad example and has dented efforts to ensure that real estate negotiators are professionals.
“He has destroyed all the hard work that we have been doing. The trust levels have gone down,” he said.
Malaysia, he said, thrives because of the various service industries at all levels, and disrespecting those who are part of those services is also disrespecting the profession.
“Under MIEA’s practice standards, we always promote that all agents are to serve the public with dignity, respect, professionalism and more so to take care of the public’s interest.”
He stressed that having big cars and lots of money is not only a measure of success but being a human being filled with good values and integrity.
“We abhor the attitude shown by the agent in the video and we request that he make a public apology to all those that he demeaned on his Facebook account.
“We also request for the firm he is attached to, take serious measures against him,” he said in a statement.
Soma added that the individual’s irresponsible statement is not reflective of the respect MIEA has for all Grab drivers and Grab food riders. – The Vibes, November 11, 2021
