logo
Johor MCA: Spa chain shuts down after collecting thousands for prepaid packages, over 50 reports filed

Johor MCA: Spa chain shuts down after collecting thousands for prepaid packages, over 50 reports filed

Malay Mail12-05-2025
JOHOR BARU, May 12 — More than 50 police reports have been lodged against a spa and wellness business after customers alleged that they paid thousands of ringgit for non-existent packages, according to Johor MCA.
The alleged victims claimed that the business, which has 11 branches in Johor and additional outlets in five other states, has since closed down without refunding the money paid by customers.
Highlighting the issue, Johor MCA deputy secretary Chan San San said that the party received a total of 54 complaints with accompanying police reports regarding the alleged fraud.
'We believe that more victims have been cheated with losses amounting to more than RM500,000,' she said during a press conference held at the Johor MCA headquarters in Danga Bay here today.
'Many of the victims said they were initially attracted to the package sessions offered by the business from its promotions on social media channels such as Facebook and WhatsApp.'
Chan, who is also a Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) councillor, said the alleged victims had initially trusted that the spa and wellness business was legitimate due to it having several outlets across Johor, Melaka, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Penang.
MCA Youth national public complaints and service chief Heng Zhi Li, said that his team had made checks and found that the spa and wellness business offered packages of between RM288 and RM388 per month.
However, he said that victims were asked to make full payments ranging from RM2,400 to RM10,000, with the promise of receiving a total of 80 therapy sessions — 40 paid and 40 additional sessions for free.
'They (were told that they) can also bring their family and friends to get treatment as the packages were said to be transferable,' he said.
Heng, who is also the Johor MCA Youth chief, said that problems arose when those who bought the packages wanted to undergo the treatment sessions, but were unable to do so.
'The various outlets told the victims to make a booking first as they were fully booked.
'Even after making the prior bookings, the outlets told the victims that they had to wait due to being over booked,' he said.
Heng added the spa and wellness business owner made a video on social media earlier this month urging customers that made payments to be patient as the business was facing cash flow issues and a severe lack of manpower.
'We then made checks with Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) where we found that in Johor the company has 11 outlets.
'Further checks revealed that 28 of its outlets have since closed and ceased their operations,' he said, adding that he and Chan tried to contact the owner to discuss an amicable solution, but their calls went unanswered.
Heng urged the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) to look into ways to protect the public from such irresponsible acts.
Johor MCA also said it has set up a hotline at 011-62515678 to provide assistance to other victims of the spa and wellness business.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Natural resources minister rejects calls for centralised rare earth body, citing constitutional challenges and state objections
Natural resources minister rejects calls for centralised rare earth body, citing constitutional challenges and state objections

Malay Mail

time25 minutes ago

  • Malay Mail

Natural resources minister rejects calls for centralised rare earth body, citing constitutional challenges and state objections

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 — The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) has no plans to establish a centralised body to regulate Malaysia's rare earth elements (REE) industry, citing constitutional provisions and objections from state governments. Acting Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said several states had raised concerns during engagement sessions, viewing the proposal as an attempt to nationalise state-owned mineral resources. 'Petroleum resources outside state waters are managed differently from land matters, which fall under state jurisdiction,' he told the Dewan Rakyat when winding up the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) debate for his ministry today. He cited the Federal Constitution's Ninth Schedule (State List), which gives states authority over mining permits, leases and licences. As such, any move to centralise REE regulation would require in-depth study and close consultation with all state governments to safeguard their rights. Johari also dismissed claims that Malaysia had offered to supply REE, raw or otherwise, exclusively to the United States as leverage in trade tariff talks. 'This was already clarified by the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister (Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz) on Aug 7. The tariff discussions did not involve any commitment to supply REE,' he said. On negotiations with China, Johari said discussions are currently focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation to develop Malaysia's REE industry across the full value chain, including the setting up of processing plants. 'It's still early and China wants to see if our REE can be converted into the downstream products they need. No formal talks are underway regarding any buyback of processed REE,' he said. — Bernama

Target practice gone wrong: Car hit by arrow on Jalan Macalister in Penang, driver unscathed
Target practice gone wrong: Car hit by arrow on Jalan Macalister in Penang, driver unscathed

Malay Mail

time25 minutes ago

  • Malay Mail

Target practice gone wrong: Car hit by arrow on Jalan Macalister in Penang, driver unscathed

GEORGE TOWN, Aug 20 — Police confirmed they received a report about an incident involving a car being struck by an arrow on Jalan Macalister here, which has since gone viral on social media. Northeast police chief ACP Abdul Rozak Muhammad said the 57-year-old male driver lodged the report, and investigations confirmed that the incident occurred at 3.30pm on August 13. 'While the complainant was driving from Air Itam towards Jalan Pangkor and passing through Jalan Macalister, an arrow, believed to have come from an archery activity, suddenly lodged itself onto the right rear door of his car. 'The man was unharmed in the incident, and the case is being investigated under Section 427 of the Penal Code for mischief,' he said in a statement today. Abdul Rozak said checks revealed that an archery training activity organised by the Penang State Sports Council (MSN) was being held at the school field adjacent to Jalan Macalister, and it was halted on Aug 14 after the incident was reported. He added that the matter was also reported to the Penang MSN and the State Education Department by the school. A viral 51-second video showed a car driver shocked after discovering an arrow lodged in his car as he drove along the road. — Bernama

SoloEra Solo 1C electric motorcycle attracts over 6,000 customers, production is underway
SoloEra Solo 1C electric motorcycle attracts over 6,000 customers, production is underway

Malay Mail

time25 minutes ago

  • Malay Mail

SoloEra Solo 1C electric motorcycle attracts over 6,000 customers, production is underway

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 — Over 6,000 customers have pre-ordered the SoloEra Solo 1C, according to Blueshark Malaysia and its manufacturing partner, EPMB. The electric motorcycle made its way to headlines back in July, mainly due to its affordable price tag of just RM599. Blueshark and EPMB have also confirmed that the production of Solo 1C has now begun at EPMB's plant in Glenmarie, Shah Alam. Capable of producing 12,000 electric motorcycles per year, SoloEra's two other models, Solo 2 and Solo 3, are also in production, even though the official launch of SoloEra itself has not yet taken place. Blueshark Malaysia has previously said that the Solo 1C delivery timeframe is around 1 to 6 months after booking confirmation. If their bike is not delivered within 6 months, customers can then request a refund for their RM278 booking deposit. Why is SoloEra 1C priced at just RM599? According to Blueshark, the pre-launch price tag for the SoloEra 1 is actually RM2,999. This price tag is not inclusive of other related charges such as admin fee, JPJ registration fee, number plate installation, and insurance. As it is being assembled locally, the SoloEra 1C is eligible for the MARiiCAS rebate, which is currently being reserved exclusively for Completely Knocked-Down (CKD) electric motorcycles. The MARiiCAS RM2,400 helps cut down the SoloEra 1 price tag to just RM599. However, there is a catch — you have to commit to a 5-year battery rental plan at RM59 per month, in order to take advantage of the pre-launch offer. — SoyaCincau pic However, there is a catch — you have to commit to a 5-year battery rental plan at RM59 per month, in order to take advantage of the pre-launch offer. On top of that, you also have to pay another RM10 per month for the connectivity plan. Once the 5-year period is over, customers will have the option to either continue paying for the battery rental on a monthly basis or directly purchase a new battery. The pricing of the battery will be announced during the official launch of SoloEra later this year. SoloEra Solo 1C quick specs Equipped with a 2kW (2.7hp) electric motor, the SoloEra Solo 1C is powered by a removable 70.4V 28Ah (1.97kWh) LFP battery. With a 75kg rider, the electric bike is capable of delivering up to 101km of NEDC-rated range and can reach a top speed of 75km/h. Weighing just 84kg, it is still capable of carrying a maximum payload of 220kg. The Solo 1C also comes with 4 riding modes, including reverse assist and is capable of going up an incline of up to 15 degrees. For braking, the Solo 1C relies on CBS-based disc brakes, and it has also been fitted with a pair of 12-inch wheels with 100/70 tyres. In terms of charging, it takes around 3.5 to 4 hours to charge the battery from 20 per cent to 100 per cent. While Blueshark is planning to offer a battery swapping plan for Solo 1C similar to the R1 and R1 Lite, pre-order customers will be provided with a home charger alongside their bike. The Solo 1C will also be able to support the SoloEra mobile app, which explains why customers need to subscribe to the connectivity plan. From the app, owners can easily locate the bike, check its battery status, activate the anti-theft system, and utilise the Bluetooth-based smart key remote entry & locking. — SoyaCincau

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store