‘Datuk' dupes trader out of RM100k in Thai cattle scam
Mazli Hamzah, 37, who has been selling honey for 12 years, said he got to know the man last year during a business networking event.
'In March this year, he called me and asked to meet as he was interested in helping to grow my business, including finding ways to market my product overseas.
'We met frequently after that. Then, he told me about an opportunity to invest in a cattle rearing farm in Thailand. The cows are meant for Hari Raya Haji,' he told reporters yesterday.
Mazli said he was initially sceptical about the venture but the 'Datuk', who is in his 40s, brought him to see someone at Menara Tabung Haji here.
The two men talked about the cattle rearing project and Mazlin eventually became convinced that the business opportunity was a legitimate deal.
'Earlier this month, I handed the businessman more than RM100,000. Everything was done verbally.
'However, he did provide me with receipt after I gave him the money to invest,' he said.
Mazli said his subsequent calls and WhatsApp messages to the 'businessman' went unanswered when he tried to find out about the outcome of his investment.
'I then went to his restaurant in Bandar Dato Onn here and saw him. I called his mobile phone, which he glanced at but he did not answer my call.
'As I walked towards him, he saw me and immediately left his restaurant,' he said.
Mazli added that he had since lodged a police report.
It is learnt that the businessman was fined RM200,000 by a Sessions Court last year for using a fake Datuk title.
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