Latest news with #HengZhiLi
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.
Malay Mail
12-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Johor MCA: Spa chain shuts down despite allegedly collecting thousands for prepaid packages, over 50 customers file reports
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.
Malay Mail
12-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Johor MCA: Spa chain shuts down after collecting thousands for prepaid packages, over 50 reports filed
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.
Free Malaysia Today
29-04-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
PH slowly destroying BN, not saving it, says Johor MCA Youth
Johor MCA Youth chief Heng Zhi Li urged BN's top leaders to urgently rethink the coalition's direction and not sacrifice its core values and multiracial identity for short-term political gains. PETALING JAYA : Pakatan Harapan is not saving Barisan Nasional but dismantling it from within, and blind cooperation will only render BN parties politically irrelevant, says Johor MCA Youth chief Heng Zhi Li. Heng said recent comments by Johor Umno Youth chief Noor Azleen Ambros – who criticised MCA secretary-general Chong Sin Woon for urging the Chinese-based party to chart its own path – put BN into a 'lower and subordinate position'. Heng Zhi Li. Chong was quoted by Sin Chew Daily as saying that MCA grassroots were frustrated by BN's ongoing indecision after waiting more than two years for clear direction since the last general election. 'While Noor Azleen acknowledges the challenges faced by MCA, he must equally recognise that the current cooperation with PH is not only shrinking MCA's political influence – it is also accelerating the erosion of Umno's own political standing. 'If this trend continues, it will leave BN component parties increasingly irrelevant within a PH-dominated government,' Heng said in a statement today. He likened PH's strategy to the 'boiling frog' analogy, saying the danger might only be noticed once it became too late. Heng also pointed to an ideological gap between BN and PH, citing PH's failure to fulfil its manifesto promises, its alleged vilification of BN leaders, and economic decisions such as scrapping the goods and services tax (GST) in favour of the sales and services tax (SST). 'These actions show that PH is not, and has never been, a natural partner for BN. Cooperating blindly with PH will inevitably compromise BN's survival as well,' he said. Heng said MCA remained committed to rebuilding BN as a pragmatic, multiracial coalition focused on racial harmony and long-term economic planning. 'We must not lose our soul, our dignity, or our founding mission merely for the sake of temporary political survival,' he said. 'We, therefore, call for an honest and urgent reassessment of BN's direction by the top leadership, for the sake of the rakyat, and for Malaysia's future.'
