I have been an Estate Agent in Malaysia since 1973 and find you article excellent in its content. However, appealing to the good sense of the public (to employ an Agent to do the service) has never worked. The Industry has to make it financially worthwhile.
In Malaysia, with its Real Property Gains Tax, an Invoice from an Estate Agent is valuable. However, the Tax Authorities will accept an invoice from just anyone. It will be a real benefit if the Tax Dept can be convince to accept only invoices from Registered Estate Agents.
I have mooted this idea to The Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA) with no response. I am making this comment with the hope that some of my collegues read your blog and will pressure MIEA into taking action