Women considering cosmetic surgery are being urged to consult only certified local medical centres and licensed professionals, following a case in which a woman suffered complications after undergoing liposuction at an unverified facility.
MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong said the victim, who requested to be identified only as Ng, now requires laser corrective surgery after an allegedly excessive liposuction procedure performed by an unverified individual.
According to Chong, the victim was drawn to the procedure after seeing a liposuction promotion advertised by a popular local social media influencer. The influencer and her team had been actively promoting cosmetic procedures online, selling surgical packages while claiming to have access to a legally operating theatre and a professional medical team.
“The victim paid RM6,000 as a deposit to secure a slot, and the total amount paid for the procedure was RM39,000,” Chong said. “She was brought to a medical centre where the surgery was carried out on November 12 last year by a person believed to be a Chinese national, who has since disappeared.”
Chong said the victim expressed doubts on the day of the surgery after being unable to verify the credentials of the individual performing the procedure. However, she was allegedly told that her deposit would be forfeited if she backed out, prompting her to proceed under pressure.
After the surgery, the victim repeatedly requested official admission and discharge documents related to the procedure but did not receive them. Instead, she was only given a confirmation letter signed by another doctor two weeks later.
Chong added that all payments were made to the influencer’s personal bank account and another clinic, rather than directly to the medical centre where the procedure took place.
Although the same Chinese national reportedly conducted follow-up consultations, the victim later sought a second medical opinion and was informed that excessive liposuction had been performed, resulting in the need for corrective laser treatment.
Chong said the MCA will request the Health Ministry to investigate both the medical centre involved and the circumstances surrounding the case.
He reminded the public that cosmetic and medical procedures should only be carried out by registered and certified local medical professionals, and cautioned against relying on social media influencers for such services.
“Since 2024, we have received eight similar complaints, with victims collectively paying more than RM80,000 for cosmetic procedures promoted in this manner,” he said.
Meanwhile, the victim’s lawyer, Yap Wai Shaun, said the influencer had consistently promoted liposuction and cosmetic surgery on social media. He alleged that the influencer convinced the victim by claiming to operate a large professional team and a well-equipped operating theatre.
He added that even official letters issued after the procedure were signed by a local doctor, raising further questions about accountability and transparency in the case.
