Malaysian model and influencer Siew Pui Yi, better known as Ms PuiYi on social media, was awarded a whopping RM4.3 million by the Penang High Court over a lawsuit she filed against her ex-business partner.
The amount was awarded by the High Court on July 26 after her ex-business partner Lai Kai Jian, nicknamed “Mentos”, failed to appear in court, effectively giving her a Judgment in Default (JID), reported FMT.
Ms PuiYi banned from travelling for 3 months
Speaking to a group of reporters held at the office of her lawyer K. Mahendren in Green Hall, Siew said she had was defrauded of RM4.3 million by Lai, who promised to help her settle her personal and company’s tax issues.
However, she alleged in the lawsuit filed on April of last year that Lai never followed on his promise and instead absconded with the money. A police report was later lodged on October 24, 2023, reported Malay Mail.
As a result, Siew said she was banned from overseas travel due to a travel ban imposed by Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) and missed four events in Australia.
It was upsetting as I could not travel overseas for three months. Fortunately, this has been resolved.
“Thankfully, my clients were understanding and I managed to replace the dates for my engagements in Australia,” she said.
As for the terms of the settlement, her lawyer Mahendren said the details remain unknown at the advice of LHDN.
Lai’s whereabouts unknown
According to Siew, the last time she saw Lai was in August and remained in contact with him until October last year.
Mahendren said a writ of summons was issued to Lai, which included sending it via registered post, posting notices at his registered residence and publishing it in two newspapers. However, all of it went unanswered.
He also added that police are still working to locate Lai following several visits to his home in KL.
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