Spa-ctacular loss: Wellness outlets vanish along with RM700,000 in customers' funds

New Straits Times

13-05-2025

JOHOR BARU: Some 130 police reports have been lodged in Johor against a wellness company accused of defrauding customers across the country, with total reported losses nearing RM700,000.
The company allegedly offered attractive treatment packages that could be redeemed at any of its outlets nationwide.
Victims claimed they paid in advance based on the number of sessions chosen.
However, the customers only realised they had been duped when they could no longer contact the company to set appointments.
It was later discovered that the business had quietly shut down all its outlets without notice.
Johor police chief, Commissioner Datuk M. Kumar confirmed Johor police received 130 reports since early May, involving losses totalling RM698,155.67.
"The case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating," he said today.
The offence carries a jail term of one to 10 years, caning, and a fine, upon conviction.
Yesterday, MCA Youth Complaints and Public Service bureau head, Heng Zhi Li, held a press conference at its headquarters here.
He said 54 victims came forward to seek help from the party to resolve their predicament.
They claimed to have paid between RM2,400 and RM10,000 for treatment packages after being lured by social media advertisements.
However, when they attempted to book appointments, they were told that there were no slots available.
Heng believes total victims could number in the thousands, as the spa had dozens of outlets in Johor, Melaka, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Penang.
Earlier this month, the spa owner posted a video saying that his business was facing staff shortages and cash flow problems.
Heng said 28 outlets had since shut down, and calls to the owner went unanswered.