Company of 26-year-old Chinese 'millionaire' under investigation since February

PENANG -The Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Ministry has been investigating the business model of Zhang Jian's company since February.

Its secretary-general Datuk Seri Alias Ahmad said the ministry's Selangor office had opened two investigation papers on the Chinese national's company since Feb 7.

"We are now investigating if the company is practising multi-level marketing (MLM) or a pyramid scheme. For now, we are focusing on MLM. We will submit our findings to the DPP for further action," Alias said when contacted yesterday.

He was commenting on reports which questioned the business model of Zhang, who has proclaimed himself as the "future richest person in the world" on several billboards, including one on the Penang Bridge.
On Saturday, Gabungan Sukarelawan 1Malaysia (GS1M) adviser Datuk Ng Bong Ching said the NGO had received more than 60 complaints since April from the public who claimed they were approached to join the scheme.

The company's online advertisements tell people that they can earn big money without having to work.

By merely investing RM300 (S$117), members are guaranteed an income of between RM2,700 and RM6,800 per month - without lifting a finger.

"They were promised lucky draws and BMW with just a minimum membership fee of RM300," he said, adding that he lodged a police report in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday.

Netizens were vocal on The Star Online Facebook page regarding the article on Zhang.

"Moral of business. If it desperately comes to you, it's most likely a scam," wrote Faizal Esa.

Yen Ping commented: "First of all (how could) the authorities approve this billboard? Well, nothing is free in the world and Malaysians are not that stupid to be fooled by this scam."