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Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Borneo Post
Couple alleges signature forgery by auto service center, seeks investigation
Mr and Mrs Lim (center) with Michelle (right) and Ethan at the press conference. KOTA KINABALU (May 22): A couple is calling on the relevant authorities to investigate an automotive service center for allegedly forging their signatures on repair documents for their vehicle. Mr and Mrs. Lim said they have been experiencing emotional distress after sending their vehicle for repair at an automotive service center in Inanam on October 11, 2024. 'There was a problem with the vehicle's engine, so I sent it in for repair. After getting the vehicle back, I found that not only was the original problem not resolved, but new issues had also appeared,' Mr. Lim said. He explained that when he returned to the service center to inquire, he was verbally informed that the issue was related to the turbo system, with no mention of the engine. He was also charged RM5,000 for the repair work. 'To this day, I have not received any written report, technical documentation, or official repair proposal from them,' he said when met at the National Consumer Action Council (MTPN) Sabah on Thursday. Lim said all attempts to seek further clarification from the service center were ignored. 'It feels like this service center doesn't care about its customers and is very unprofessional. This attitude has made me lose all confidence in them, which led me to file a complaint with the Consumer Claims Tribunal on November 19, 2024,' he said. During the tribunal session, Lim was shocked to discover that several documents submitted by the service center contained signatures that did not belong to either him or his wife. 'We believe this automotive service center forged my wife's signature on several documents and presented them to the tribunal to protect themselves. The dates on the alleged signed documents were also suspicious, as we were overseas on those specific days,' he added, noting that a police report had also been lodged. Lim said the tribunal's official decision on January 20, 2025, ordered the service center to bear the full cost of the repair, although no refund was imposed. 'Throughout this ordeal, my wife and I have experienced mental stress due to the poor treatment and irresponsibility of the service center. We feel our rights as consumers have been ignored and violated. 'We filed a complaint with MTPN Sabah to urge them to monitor this service center and take appropriate action to ensure consumer rights are protected and that such incidents do not happen in the future. 'I also urge all service providers in the automotive sector to act responsibly and prioritize honesty and transparency in their dealings with customers,' he said. Meanwhile, Michelle Liew Pei Yee, head of the MTPN Sabah Complaints Bureau, said the organization views this case seriously as it directly impacts consumer rights and the reputation of the service industry. 'We emphasize that all service providers, especially in the automotive sector, must not take customer trust for granted. Transparency, accountability and clear communication are essential to maintain consumer confidence. 'MTPN Sabah will continue to monitor and support all efforts to protect consumer rights and assist those facing similar issues. We also encourage the public not to remain silent, but to come forward and lodge formal complaints when faced with suspicious or unfair situations,' she said. For inquiries or to file a complaint, the public can contact MTPN Sabah at 011-3618 0118. Also present during the briefing was the couple's lawyer, Ethan Liew Kah Wah.
New Straits Times
13-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Spa-ctular loss: Wellness outlets vanish along with RM700,000 customer funds
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. Investigations are ongoing. 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 seeking help for the party with their predicament. They alleged each paid between RM2,400 and RM10,000 for treatment packages with the spa, after they were lured by social media advertisements. However, when they attempted to book appointments, they were told that 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 owner posted a video citing staff shortages and cash flow problems. He added 28 outlets have since shut down, and calls to the owner went unanswered. Some victims have lodged complaints with the Consumer Claims Tribunal. A hotline (011-6251 5678) has been set up for others to come forward.
