EVEN after the arrest of the company founder, and a second raid that saw more bank accounts frozen and money and assets seized under suspicion of money-laundering, MBI International Group investors remain optimistic that this unpleasant episode will pass.

Some appear annoyed and frustrated by the unnecessary “interference”. Simon, for instance, cheekily asked whether the government was acting against MBI because it was low on cash.

Simon sarcastically wondered if the government needed alternative sources of funds, in view of the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal.

“Nobody lodged police reports or complaints that MBI had cheated them. MBI members have been getting their profits and points as promised. Nobody lost money.

“Now the authorities say they are investigating because of media reports. So, thank you very much for this, media. What did MBI do to you?” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Simon, who is in his 30s, said the investors were angered by the enforcement action against MBI.

Some believe the enforcement action is just for show, like Mrs Lee, who said the authorities wanted to be seen as doing their job.

She said the authorities, after going after JJ Poor to Rich – an unlicensed forex trading operator – early last month, probably needed to show that they were also cracking down on other money scheme operators.

“They have to show that they are fair and that they are doing their jobs,” said the woman in her late 40s.

Hwa, an investor in her 60s, said if things were truly that bad, M Mall – a subsidiary of the MBI group – would have closed down weeks ago.

“Why is the shop with groceries at the mall still so well stocked?”

The management office was raided late last month when authorities launched investigations into MBI, but the mall remains open.

M Mall complex manager Teoh Jit Aik said the mall was operating as usual despite the recent negative news reports about MBI.

A check showed that business was brisk with investors shopping for goods and services with loyalty points they had accumulated by investing in the company.

Teoh declined to comment on the latest raid that saw the MBI founder arrested, and whether the recent troubles had spooked staff at the mall.

Yesterday, federal authorities conducted a second raid on MBI, visiting three premises in Penang and Kulim, Kedah to seize cash and various assets, including three luxury cars. They also picked up the MBI founder to assist in the probe. – June 21, 2017.