BE CAUTIOUS: Chong (left) advises couples to be wary of dubious bridal studios as Chai holds up a newspaper report on the scam.

The advice came from the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) head of Public Services and Complaints Department Datuk Michael Chong following reports some couples in the state have been cheated by a bridal studio in Peninsular Malaysia.

“The department and Sarawak Commercial Photographic Association (SCPA) have received many complaints and enquiries regarding a bridal studio that has disappeared after receiving deposit payments from couples.

“We have identified the culprit,” he told a press conference here.

Chong, who is the advisor to the Federation of Commercial Photographic Society Malaysia said the studio in question was a bridal studio based in Kuala Lumpur and it had had preyed on many couples in East Malaysia.

He said the studio attracted couples by offering affordable bridal packages which featured a wedding photo shoot in prime locations in Kuala Lumpur and  accommodation  as  well as a memorable experience.

When East Malaysians signed up for the packages, they were required to pay a deposit of between RM1,000 and RM6,000 to reserve the date of their photo shoot, he said.

Unfortunately, he added, when the couples travelled to Kuala Lumpur for their photo shoot, the bridal studio was nowhere to be found.

Chong said he had asked workers from the studio to provide information to the police earlier this month, but so  far no one had come forward  to  assist  the police into their investigations.

The Sarawak police had confirmed that there were reports from the public regarding the issue, he added.

He said most of the cases were reported in Sibu and so far no one in Kuching had lodged any report.

Chong said: “If you have been cheated by bridal studios, please come forward and make a police report. Our association will do anything it can to assist.

“Some couples even paid the full amount of the package and when they reached the address of the bridal studio, the store was empty. I feel very sad for these couples,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Federation of Commercial Photographic Society Malaysia vice-president Chai Tan Hai asked those who had fallen victims to the studio’s modus operandi to lodge police report.

“Once you have lodged a police report and presented it to the association, we will try our best to help you.

“We will provide a list of members who will assist those who urgently need their wedding photos taken. Our members are also willing to give discounts,” he added.

For further enquiries or complaints, contact the Sarawak Commercial Photographic Association via email - This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or call 019-887 6881.