BY ALLAN JAY & ELEAZAR BARRICK PETER
KUCHING: For 80 victims residing in rural areas of Sarawak, the long-cherished dream of owning a home, which is a fundamental need in life, has been shattered.
They invested thousands of ringgit with a real estate company, whch had offered questionable investment schemes and construction packages.
Malaysia International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO) secretary-general Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim highlighted this distressing reality during a press conference outside the Sarawak Police Contingent headquarters (IPK) this morning.
He said the case centred on a Sarawak-based company offering three schemes, namely housing construction on private land, housing construction on different land, and a land investment concept with promised dividend returns.
Regrettably, none of these promises were fulfilled, and the victims were fleeced of their hard-earned money.
“We have received 80 reports registered with our organisation from various parts of Sarawak, including Bau, Sibu, and Miri.
“According to information received, we anticipate an additional 400 reports from Sarawak, and many more from Kedah and Johor.
“This company has caused estimated losses of RM50 million nationwide, primarily targeting those struggling in rural areas who aspired to own their homes,” he said.
Hishamuddin noted that the victims had already filed several police reports but had not received any response from the authorities.
Consequently, the organisation, along with the victims, approached the Sarawak IPK and submitted additional statements under Section 112 of the Criminal Procedure Code and a formal letter to Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri, seeking further action.
“Fortunately, we have learned that the company’s director, or the alleged mastermind, has been charged with two offences under Section 420 of the Penal Code.
“Thirteen reports are still pending investigation, and an additional 18 reports are being investigated.
“Mohd Azman has assured us that the contingent is treating this case with utmost seriousness,” he said.
Hishamuddin said MHO will not rest and will continue to pursue justice.
He urged those who have fallen victim to the company and are hesitant to file a police report to do so, ensuring that the company will be held accountable for its actions.
