KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 54 individuals have reported losses amounting to RM5.2mil after investing in a vending machine scheme, with investments ranging from RM1,000 to RM450,000 since 2023.
A 60-year-old victim, who wished to be known as Priema, shared that she and her husband lost about RM80,000 investing in drinks and snacks vending machines.
"I started investing in December 2023, using my Employee Provident Fund (EPF) savings of about RM50,000. I received over RM9,000 in returns and felt confident, so I urged my husband to invest.
"He ended up investing RM30,000," she recounted at a press conference on Sunday (Feb 9).
Priema, a retired cleaner, said the scheme seemed promising for a few months, but then the returns stopped.
"Now all of our savings are gone, and I am struggling even to pay rent," she said tearfully.
Another victim, Adrian, revealed that a friend introduced her to the scheme, which offered investment packages ranging from RM1,300 to RM32,000.
"Due to the low capital required and promised good returns, I decided to invest in March last year. I ended up investing nearly RM80,000 and received about RM6,000 in returns.
"However, since July last year, the returns have stopped. When I asked the investor agent, he claimed the company was experiencing cash flow problems," Adrian explained.
All 54 victims have lodged police reports regarding the matter.
