Left high and dry: Heng (seated, second from left) with Chan (next to him) and some of the victims showing the police reports they had lodged during a press conference in Johor Baru.
JOHOR BARU: More than 50 police reports have been lodged against a spa and wellness chain for allegedly failing to deliver services after collecting tens of thousands of ringgit from customers.
Some customers claimed that certain outlets of the chain were not open for business and attempts to contact the owner have been unsuccessful.
Johor MCA deputy secretary Chan San San said 54 victims have approached them for assistance.
She said each of them signed up for packages costing between RM2,400 and RM10,000.
She told a press conference yesterday that she believes the total number of victims could reach thousands, as the chain operated several dozen outlets in Johor, Melaka, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Penang.
MCA Youth public complaints and services chief Heng Zhi Li said the victims were drawn in by advertisements on social media.
But after signing up, victims trying to make an appointment were told that there were no available slots at their allotted time.
He said earlier this month, the spa owner uploaded a video on social media asking customers to be patient, citing a shortage of workers and cash flow issues.
“A check with the Companies Commission of Malaysia found that 28 of the chain’s outlets have ceased operations,” said Heng, who is also Johor MCA Youth chief.
He said repeated phone calls to the owner went unanswered.
Heng added that some victims have filed complaints with the Consumer Claims Tribunal.
He said a hotline (011-6251 5678) has been set up for other victims to get in touch.
At press time, police have yet to comment on the matter.
