Latest news with #JohorMCA
The Star
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Employer searches for manager who allegedly siphoned RM2.5mil
Johor MCA deputy secretary Chan San San (second from left) discussing with Koh Chew Siee (second from right) and Hoe Hong Seng (right) and their lawyer Tan Jun Jie (left) during a press conference held at Pasir Gudang MCA office here in Johor Baru on Monday (June 16). JOHOR BARU: An employer is searching for his former manager, who has been missing after allegedly siphoning RM2.5mil from the company's account nearly two years ago. The company's business development manager Hoe Hong Seng said they discovered issues with their account when an auditor found discrepancies during an internal investigation. "So far, we have evidence that about RM2.5mil of the company's money is missing, but we have reason to believe the actual amount could reach RM10mil. "Our auditors found payment receipts from our customers between January 2018 and November 2023, but the money did not end up in our account," he added. Hoe said this at a press conference organised by Johor MCA deputy secretary Chan San San, held at the Pasir Gudang MCA division office on Monday (June 16). He added that after discovering the missing money in the company's account, they met with the 58-year-old manager, who had been working with them since 2004. He claimed the manager did not deny taking the money and promised to repay RM100,000. But, the company refused her offer because Hoe said the manager had taken more than RM2mil. Hoe also claimed soon after their meeting, the manager ran away and despite numerous attempts to find her, including calling her mobile phone, failed to locate her. Hoe added that the manager's husband told them they were divorced and the latter has no idea where she is. Meanwhile, the company's owner and director, Koh Chew Siee, said he hopes his former employee will reach out to them and find an amicable solution. "I hope she can call us soon so we can discuss this matter and find a proper solution," he added. When contacted, Seri Alam OCPD Asst Comm Mohd Sohaimi Ishak confirmed the report and said an investigation has been opened under Section 408 of the Penal Code. He added that efforts are underway to locate and arrest the suspect to assist with police investigations.
New Straits Times
16-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Manager allegedly vanishes after RM10m company funds go missing
JOHOR BARU: A roadworks supply company is appealing to a former manager to come forward and return RM2.5 million allegedly misappropriated from company funds — part of an estimated RM10 million loss uncovered late last year. The woman, aged 58, is believed to have gone missing since November 2023 after internal investigations pointed to suspicious fund transfers into her personal bank account. Business development manager Hoe Hong Seng said the company, which had employed the woman for over 20 years, only realised something was amiss towards the end of 2023 when sales revenue failed to appear in official accounts. "She had access to company finances since 2004. By late 2023, we found that proceeds from sales were not deposited into the company account but had been redirected to her personal account. "We confronted her and requested a repayment of RM2.5 million, backed by records from 2018 onwards. However, she only offered to return RM100,000 and then disappeared," he told a press conference hosted by Pasir Gudang MCA. Present were Johor MCA deputy secretary Chan San San, the company's legal representative Tan Jun Jie, and company director Koh Chew Swee. Koh said the company had placed full trust in the manager, describing her as a long-serving staff member and mother of three. "We are not out to shame her, we just want her to come forward and settle this properly. We are only asking for what we can prove with receipts," he said. "A police report was lodged in January last year. However, the police who went to her residence were unable to locate her," he said. Chan urged police to step up efforts to trace the woman. He said her family members also claimed to have no knowledge of her whereabouts. "We believe she is still in the country," she said. Seri Alam police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Sohaimi Ishak confirmed a report was lodged. The case is being investigated under Section 408 of the Penal Code for criminal breach of trust. "Efforts to track down and detain the suspect are ongoing," he said.
The Star
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Where's the service? Spa chain clients want answers
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.
Malay Mail
12-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Johor MCA: Spa chain shuts down after collecting thousands for prepaid packages, over 50 reports filed
JOHOR BARU, May 12 — More than 50 police reports have been lodged against a spa and wellness business after customers alleged that they paid thousands of ringgit for non-existent packages, according to Johor MCA. The alleged victims claimed that the business, which has 11 branches in Johor and additional outlets in five other states, has since closed down without refunding the money paid by customers. Highlighting the issue, Johor MCA deputy secretary Chan San San said that the party received a total of 54 complaints with accompanying police reports regarding the alleged fraud. 'We believe that more victims have been cheated with losses amounting to more than RM500,000,' she said during a press conference held at the Johor MCA headquarters in Danga Bay here today. 'Many of the victims said they were initially attracted to the package sessions offered by the business from its promotions on social media channels such as Facebook and WhatsApp.' Chan, who is also a Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) councillor, said the alleged victims had initially trusted that the spa and wellness business was legitimate due to it having several outlets across Johor, Melaka, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Penang. MCA Youth national public complaints and service chief Heng Zhi Li, said that his team had made checks and found that the spa and wellness business offered packages of between RM288 and RM388 per month. However, he said that victims were asked to make full payments ranging from RM2,400 to RM10,000, with the promise of receiving a total of 80 therapy sessions — 40 paid and 40 additional sessions for free. 'They (were told that they) can also bring their family and friends to get treatment as the packages were said to be transferable,' he said. Heng, who is also the Johor MCA Youth chief, said that problems arose when those who bought the packages wanted to undergo the treatment sessions, but were unable to do so. 'The various outlets told the victims to make a booking first as they were fully booked. 'Even after making the prior bookings, the outlets told the victims that they had to wait due to being over booked,' he said. Heng added the spa and wellness business owner made a video on social media earlier this month urging customers that made payments to be patient as the business was facing cash flow issues and a severe lack of manpower. 'We then made checks with Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) where we found that in Johor the company has 11 outlets. 'Further checks revealed that 28 of its outlets have since closed and ceased their operations,' he said, adding that he and Chan tried to contact the owner to discuss an amicable solution, but their calls went unanswered. Heng urged the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) to look into ways to protect the public from such irresponsible acts. Johor MCA also said it has set up a hotline at 011-62515678 to provide assistance to other victims of the spa and wellness business.
