Influencer awarded RM4.3m default judgment against former business partner

Influencer, model, and actress Siew Pui Yi, 25, has successfully obtained a default judgment of RM4.3 million against her former business partner, Lai Kai Jian, after he failed to appear in court.

The Penang High Court, in its default judgment on July 26, ordered Lai to pay the amount after he was found to have fraudulently deceived Siew under the pretext of settling overdue taxes with the Inland Revenue Board (IRB).

Siew’s lawyer K Mahendran stated the court’s decision favouring his client awarded the full amount claimed, including interest and legal costs.

“Lai, also known as ‘Mentos’, did not file any appearance or documents in response to the case filed against him.

“We have already posted a notice at his residence - though I cannot disclose the address - and complied with court procedures, including notices in newspapers,” said Mahendran during a press conference in George Town today.

Separately, Siew revealed that the IRB blacklisted her for several months last year due to unpaid taxes.

“However, it is now resolved and I can travel abroad again. It was upsetting because this prevented me from travelling for three months last year and disrupted my work. That is why I wanted to resolve it as soon as possible,” she added.

- Bernama

Many still unaware of how to report scams - survey

Cops nab 18 over suspected online forex fraud

Banks' job to probe fraudulent transactions, not victims: MOF

Set up legal framework for safe social media ecosystem - experts