Preacher under fire for allegedly defrauding dozens

The Star

16 hours ago

Compiled by C. ARUNO, SHYAFIQ DZULKIFLI and R. ARAVINTHAN
A self-proclaimed preacher is under investigation for allegedly defrauding dozens of victims through business dealings, Umrah travel packages and religious school funding, Harian Metro reported.
The 39-year-old preacher, who is also embroiled in a sex video scandal allegedly featuring his four wives, is now accused of cheating individuals and companies out of more than RM500,000.
One victim, Diyana, 40, claimed her company loaned RM60,000 to support a religious school run by the preacher and paid RM5,000 monthly for its electricity over two years.
'The truth started to emerge when he asked us to supply Umrah bags worth RM40,000. He promised to pay later but never did. After several months, he failed to settle the debt and could not be contacted.
'In April 2023, my husband and a friend confronted him, but instead of resolving the matter, he shouted at them.'
Another victim, a 52-year-old civil servant, said he lost over RM9,000 after paying for a bogus Umrah package.
'Close to the departure date, I was told there were various issues. I grew suspicious and requested a cancellation and a refund,' he said.
Despite providing a partial reimbursement of RM6,900, the remaining balance remains unpaid so far.
Following multiple police reports, the preacher was remanded for four days and later released on bail.
> Actor Keith Foo has hinted at embracing Islam next year as he prepares to tie the knot with actress Riena Diana, Kosmo! reported.
The 42-year-old, whose real name is Foo Chuan Chin, revealed that his interest in religion, particularly Islam, began even before his relationship with Riena.
Since dating the Kampung People star, he has sought her guidance in learning Islamic practices, including reciting daily prayers.
Riena, 27, shared that Keith has also entrusted her with the honour of choosing his Islamic name, though the couple is not ready to make it public.
'I'm happy he wants to understand the religion first. We don't want people to think he's converting just for marriage,' Riena said, adding that Keith expressed his desire to learn about Islam even before proceeding with the wedding.
The couple, however, is not rushing into marriage and has left the decision to their families.
'If possible, let the decision come from our families. If our families agree, we will proceed with the wedding. For now, both of us are busy with work. Please pray for us.'
The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a, it denotes a separate news item.