The recent move by the Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA) to certify real estate negotiators has been commended by the Government’s Board of Valuers, Appraisers and Estate Agents, but it pointed out that such certification is not mandatory.

In clarifying the exercise, the Board’s registrar R. Mahaletchumi told PropertyTimes that while MIEA’s move “is noble”, it has caused confusion among professionals within the industry and the public at large who might be led to believe that only those with certificates from the institute are legitimate negotiators.

“It has caused people to think only those with MIEA certificates can negotiate on behalf of a registered estate agency, which is not true,” she said.

“While the Board acknowledges MIEA’s intention to help weed out illegal brokers through the certification of negotiators, we are concerned that some negotiators - who are only allowed to negotiate on behalf of an agent - may see it as a ticket to act independently.

“We are also concerned that members of the public may confuse the credential with a license to act as an agent.”

MIEA had said the purpose of certifying real estate negotiators is to raise the standard of the profession as well as isolate illegal brokers.

The association’s president Khatijah Abdullah said in order to obtain certification, individuals would have to undergo a formal course after which those found competent would be designated “certified real estate negotiators” and be allowed to use the acronym “CREN” after their names.

Negotiators who have completed the course would also be given identity cards bearing their agencies’ names and registration numbers, as well as badges with the MIEA logo.

“I believe this is an important and necessary step, because there are at present a number of illegal brokers who are engaged in non-conforming practices. We’ve addressed this issue by accrediting genuine negotiators.

“By providing proper training, we will be raising the standards of the practice and ultimately, safeguarding the interests of the public,” Khatijah said.

Prior to the issuance of the CREN credentials, Khatijah said there had been no standard criteria for the recruitment of negotiators or a structured training module for them.

Nevertheless, the Board’s Mahaletchumi said the Government could not endorse such certification as the law currently does not provide for it.

“Officially, each agent is allowed to have 20 negotiators, whose activities are the responsibility of the agents employing them,” she said.

However, sources within the industry have indicated that in light of MIEA’s initiative, the Board could amend the law to make future provisions for negotiators.