Netizens exploded into anger recently as screenshots from X user @kalvinderks_ revealed the name, number and chat history between her and a real estate agent she was in communication with when looking for a place to rent.

The agent made discriminatory remarks in regards to her race and she brought the matter to the organisation’s X account. Calling for an official response, the incident garnered the attention of many online who came forward with their own experiences with the dark side of the real estate industry as a whole.

“After investigation and given [the agent’s] admission of the facts of the issue, we have terminated [the agent] with immediate effect and he no longer acts as an agent of [the company],” the company puts out in a statement.

“We have a very diverse group of staff and agents from different countries including Malaysia, Philippines, India, Pakistan, China, Australia, China, Cambodia and Canada. We are strongly opposed to any form of discrimination and do and will continue to respond to it strongly,” the statement reads.

Some netizens praised the organisation for its swift response, while others pointed out that the behaviour was rampant in the real estate industry, and regulations should be made to stop it.

According to updates in April 2023, the Residential Tenancy Act is expected to be tabled this year, including a proposal to establish a Tenancy Tribunal. The tribunal would allow tenants and landlords to receive a swift form of justice, however the scope of the tribunal continues to be debated among policymakers.

The Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA) is a regulatory body representing all registered estate agents in the country. As users pointed out, people can file a complaint against agents to the MIEA. The agent has since posted a video apologising for his conduct.

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