KUALA LUMPUR: Disgruntled customers have decided to resolve an ongoing dispute with an influencer amicably in connection with the alleged sale of lab-grown diamonds instead of real ones.
MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong said he, along with the department's legal representative, met with the influencer and her legal representative recently.
"The legal representatives of the customers and the influencer have reached a primary understanding on several matters and have expressed a mutual intention to resolve the dispute amicably through lawful and constructive means.
"Discussions are ongoing, and all substantive issues will continue to be handled by the respective lawyers," he said in a statement Saturday (Jan 10).
Chong said he was informed that the influencer’s legal representative presented the outcome of the police investigation, which indicated that no element of fraud or dishonest intent has been identified.
"Her legal representative also stated that the influencer had fully cooperated with the investigation and that, at this stage, no criminal element had been established," he added.
Chong said the department maintains a neutral position and does not side with any party, nor does it act as an adjudicating or enforcement body.
"The department will continue to monitor developments and facilitate communication in accordance with its public service role, to study whether the matter progresses in a lawful, fair, and transparent manner," he said.
He also urged the public and social media users to reject all forms of cyberbullying, speculation, and personal attacks, and to respect ongoing legal processes by exercising restraint and rationality in any online discussions.
"The department will continue to act in accordance with its public service role in that it will continue to serve the public and provide assistance where appropriate," he added.
It was previously reported dozens of disgruntled customers have come forward after claiming they were duped by a Malaysian influencer who sold them lab-grown diamonds instead of the real deal.
Chong had said that at least 30 of the victims had lost a collective amount of around RM1mil since 2023 to the influencer.
He explained that the influencer offered jewellery and good fortune trinkets to her customers but had used misleading terms to convince them that they were real diamonds.
Besides the diamonds, lawyer Esther Hor, who represented the group, said make-up products sold to some of the victims were portrayed as chemical-free but were later found to contain mercury.
“At least 30 police reports all over the country have been filed. We also have Singaporean victims with around three to four reports lodged in Singapore as well,” she said.
She added that attempts to privately settle the matter failed, with some in the group failing to contact the influencer after demanding refunds.
