All because of a lost identification card (IC), a local man is facing a daunting task in clearing his name and reversing his “bankrupt” status.
On top of that, he’s also fighting to wash his hands off a massive electricity bill that was incurred after his lost IC was allegedly used to rent properties involved in electricity theft and illegal cryptocurrency mining activities.
Frozen bank account
Speaking to reporters at the service centre of Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng, the man named Kuang said he had reported his wallet, which contained his IC and cash, missing in December 2019.
Thinking that the matter was resolved, he travelled to Dubai in 2022 to pursue a career in the courier industry and worked in the sales department.
On Aug 22, Kuang checked his bank account online and was shocked to discover that he was unable to make any transfers and immediately contacted the bank.
However, the bank didn’t disclose the reason for his bank account being frozen and merely told him to return to Malaysia to resolve the matter.
RM363K electricity bill
When Kuang returned on Aug 26, the bank informed him they had received a letter from TNB, stating that he owed RM363,088 in electricity bills between December 2020 and September 2021.
As such, he was sued by TNB and listed as “bankrupt” by the Insolvency Department — a status which left Kuang stunned.
I have never applied for a housing loan, car loan or credit card. How I could possibly owe such a huge amount in electricity bills?!” he exclaimed.
Kuang also revealed that the RM363,088 electricity bill was linked to factories and shoplots at six different addresses, all of which were located in Rawang.
With the help of Lim, Kuang met with TNB officials and was presented documents that were allegedly submitted to them, including tenancy agreements for the factories and shoplots, as well as a copy of the IC he had reported missing seven years ago.
The documents also contained a forged signature that was 80% similar to Kuang’s actual signature, along with a copy of an IC belonging to another local man whose address was in Maluri.
Kuang maintained that he had never been to Rawang to rent any shoplots or factories and revealed TNB’s investigations found that two of the premises were found to be involved in illegal cryptocurrency mining activities, leading to the electricity supply being cut off.
Unending pressure
Kuang added the incident had placed him under immense pressure as his company had told him he would be suspended if he didn’t return to Dubai soon.
On top of that, he’s also facing mental pressure as he had spent at least RM7,000 so far, including the cost of a one-way flight back to Malaysia, and this does not include legal fees.
TNB insists that the matter must be handled through proper legal channels before it can officially write to the bank to prove that I am innocent.
“At present, I can only negotiate through lawyers. After the police report was lodged, the police have yet to take any action and the investigating officer has never contacted me to record my statement,” he said.
Kuang added that his bank account remained frozen, he would be unable to access or transfer more than RM70,000 in savings sitting inside and fears he may not be able to survive financially till next month as he has little cash on hand.
‘I will not plead guilty’
Kuang claimed he was advised by an officer from the Insolvency Department to plead guilty so that he could be referred to the Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK) for debt restructuring and consolidation.
I did nothing wrong so I will not plead guilty. I may also take legal action to clear my name and seek compensation, especially for the living expenses and flight costs I incurred while returning to Malaysia.”
Meanwhile, Lim’s assistant Dic Lai, who was also present, urged the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into their internal procedures and determine whether any internal collusion had taken place.
“Generally, electricity bills that exceed RM1,000 would be dealt with swiftly. Why then, was this case being handled differently where the victim had to accumulate RM360,000 in outstanding bills before further action was taken?” he questioned.
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‘I Might Go Bankrupt’ — M’sian Woman Gets RM1.2mil Electricity Bill Over Tenant’s Crypto Mining
