GEORGE TOWN, July 29 — Social media influencer Siew Pui Yi, known as MsPuiYi, has secured a significant legal victory against her former business partner Lai Kai Jian, also known as Mentos, following his failure to appear in court. The High Court of Penang granted Siew a judgment in default for RM4.3 million, an amount she claimed was fraudulently obtained by Lai under the guise of settling her tax arrears. Lai’s lack of response to the lawsuit led to the court’s decision on July 26.
Siew had alleged that Lai absconded with funds provided to clear her tax dues to the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), which resulted in a travel ban and prevented her from attending events in Australia. Her legal team, led by K. Mahendren, confirmed that Lai’s whereabouts remain unknown despite efforts to locate him through police investigations and published notices. The court’s decision not only grants Siew the full amount claimed but also covers interest and legal costs. Mahendren stated that they would now seek to execute the judgment to recover the awarded amount.
