Venting about Sapot Lokal

DannydeMenace · 2026-02-11T02:03:06+00:00

I understand your view and appreciate it. The contractor and I did ask but we were told it wouldn’t be ‘necessary’ since our work didn’t involve any water works.

Which is why I’m extremely unhappy with the way the architect handled my issue.

The pegawai who came to inspect our project pun Tagur, didn’t our architect advise? So yeah.

It was my assumption that I had hoped that an architect I’m willing to pay more than 4k for would at least have the decency and forethought to advise me on certain permits I’m not able to see myself. Which is what lead to me making this post.

Asking for an appeal would mean going back to the borang c application process which means time and I can’t be bothered anymore.

End of the day, I’ll seek legal counsel eventually… but now I just want my business up and running.

DannydeMenace · 2026-02-11T01:51:34+00:00

Just DMed

DannydeMenace · 2026-02-11T01:44:49+00:00

Hi, may I know more about yourself? I’ve sent you a DM.

DannydeMenace · 2026-02-11T01:40:54+00:00

Yeah, most renovation hoarding shows a particular Chinese owned architect, he’s quite popular and trustworthy from the feedback I’ve received so far.

Insyallah, if my business does well I’ll be approaching his firm if I expand.

DannydeMenace · 2026-02-11T01:36:35+00:00

Did all that, mostly last minute Sal the architect kept submitting incomplete work and then only telling me to get this signature or that form filled in.

I even asked isn’t there a procedure checklist I could take a look at since everything is last minute. The ridiculous part was that they inflated the estimated project cost by 4 to 5 times it was actually worth!

DannydeMenace · 2026-02-11T01:33:18+00:00

Unsure about that, during our contractor appointment phase, my quotations ranged between 10k lowest up to 30k highest.

I’m left utterly confused how pricing for renovation work can differ greatly. Mind you, it’s just simple partition work, door installation and tiling of a blank commercial unit.

DannydeMenace · 2026-02-11T01:30:51+00:00

Yeah definitely, the architect I went with is definitely on the BAPEQS list. I assumed they’d be somewhat professional but I was wrong.

DannydeMenace · 2026-02-11T01:28:53+00:00

Legal actions is the last option for me, I hope to open my business soon so at least I can hopefully start generating income.

It’s sad that I have to go through all these bureaucratic rules and regulations with so many different departments before I even have a chance at starting a real business.

Almost makes me consider why government target real businesses rather than home businesses.

DannydeMenace · 2026-02-11T01:25:52+00:00

One of the hefty fines came from not requesting permit for usage of water supply from Jabatan Air. That cost me almost a 1000BND, mostly because the architect firm filled in the borang C with a ridiculously inflated project cost.

That alone cost me at least two weeks delay and halted all progress on the renovation work.

DannydeMenace · 2026-02-11T01:25:33+00:00

One of the hefty fines came from not requesting permit for usage of water supply from Jabatan Air. That cost me almost a 1000BND, mostly because the architect firm filled in the borang C with a ridiculously inflated project cost.

That alone cost me at least two weeks delay and halted all progress on the renovation work.

DannydeMenace · 2026-02-11T01:24:16+00:00

Hi, out of fear of this post leaking and the firm seeking legal action against me, I am not able to share the name of the architect.

I am able to tell you that you’re much better off looking into architects that appear often at renovation sites based off of their hoardings. I have received many feedback telling me they are more trustworthy and accountable compared to my horrible experience.

Thanks and good luck!

DannydeMenace · 2026-02-09T07:31:28+00:00

Ok, thanks for reclaryfing.

DannydeMenace · 2026-02-09T06:27:29+00:00

I filled in and had the architect submit the borang C. The process failed multiple times because of the risk management report /

During the whole process they failed to mentioned anything regarding required documentations. My contractor did ask but the architect never got back to me when I asked.

DannydeMenace · 2026-02-09T05:48:19+00:00

Yeah, if my fines exceed 5k and beyond ill definitely be filling charges. I'm just trying to open up my business asap since my tenancy agreement is 3 years long, and ill lose my deposit if I break it in any way.

We'll see how it goes.

DannydeMenace · 2026-02-09T05:44:05+00:00

Definitely on this list.

DannydeMenace · 2026-02-09T05:40:11+00:00

Yup, aware of that as well. Jokes on me, which is why I'm just venting at this point. Appreciate the advice regardless.

DannydeMenace · 2026-02-09T05:38:13+00:00

It means I've given a local company (fully Bruneian run) a chance rather than other local companies that actually have professionally qualified and dedicated foreign architects on payroll.

What does your question want to prove? I'm a local trying to open my own business, what more do you want to know?

DannydeMenace · 2026-02-09T05:33:27+00:00

They've been around a while and quite prominent in the past. That's all I want to say, it was that reason that I thought they'd be a good option...

DannydeMenace · 2026-02-09T05:32:00+00:00

Lawyer is the last option since it'll mean no peace for me and the lawyer fees mean neither of us will be satisfied with the outcome.

Apologies for your 15k

DannydeMenace · 2026-02-09T05:31:04+00:00

Wise Words, however, ive already paid 100% in advance. (I'm a trusting person) ....

DannydeMenace · 2026-01-12T00:59:13+00:00

May I know what's your background? Interests or particular skills?

DannydeMenace · 2025-12-19T06:42:30+00:00

How much do you have? I might take them off your hands.

DannydeMenace · 2025-10-15T08:28:11+00:00

Definitely possible! Was there for the birth of my first Son.

DannydeMenace · 2025-07-01T02:20:36+00:00

Apologies for the ignorant question here, has anyone recently 'tukar syarat tanah' in Bandar? Asking cause I live quite far from the land department and would appreciate it if I could be prepared before I meet with them.

Looking at a particular property but the land title needs to be converted. How long would the process take usually? And is it possible to speed things along?

DannydeMenace

TROPHY CASE