PETALING JAYA: Amid rising complaints against unregulated wellness centres, aesthetic dermatologist Dr Lim Ing Kien is urging Malaysians to seek only medically regulated providers and beware of fear-based sales tactics.
Responding to the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations’ (Fomca) report on aggressive package-selling, Lim, founder of Medii Skin Studio, Skynfyx, and Ventamin, stressed that legitimate aesthetic clinics operate under strict Health Ministry standards, unlike many operators functioning in regulatory grey areas.
“All our doctors are Malaysian Medical Council-registered, we use only ministry-approved devices and follow proper documentation and informed consent protocols. That is the minimum standard patients should expect.”
He emphasised that all treatments must be supported by peer-reviewed clinical studies and regulatory approval.
“Aesthetic medicine does not cure chronic diseases. We never claim to treat conditions like diabetes or hypertension – those require proper medical care.”
Addressing misleading promotions, Lim said his clinics prioritise transparency.
“We practise clear pricing with no hidden fees, provide written treatment plans and never force same-day decisions.”
He warned consumers to watch for red flags such as free “health screenings” detecting fake issues, high-pressure sales, non-refundable packages and claims of curing serious illnesses.
For older consumers, he advised verifying Health Ministry registration, reviewing contracts with family and walking away from providers using fear or urgency.
“Aesthetic medicine is meant to enhance appearance safely. It does not cure illnesses or require rushed decisions.
“The regulatory gaps highlighted by Fomca must be addressed urgently. Always choose providers who prioritise your wellbeing over sales targets.”
Complaints have surged against a nationwide wellness and massage chain, with consumers alleging sudden service restrictions, inaccessible bookings and prolonged refund delays despite paying thousands upfront for prepaid packages.
Several customers reported that outlets promised under packages were abruptly reduced from over 30 branches to fewer than eight without prior notice or compensation.
One customer said her local outlet closed shortly after buying a RM2,699 package, forcing her to travel more than an hour each way.
“It is impractical and not what we were promised,” she said.
Booking difficulties were widespread: constant “fully booked” notices, WhatsApp-only reservations and new rules requiring seven-day advance bookings made redemption almost impossible.
Some reported cancellations for vague reasons such as “maintenance” or unrelated events while app balances disappeared.
Refund requests submitted via Google Forms went unanswered for weeks, often with deductions or delays exceeding 14 days.
Consumers claim that these practices may breach sections 10, 16 and 53 of the Consumer Protection Act 1999, constituting misleading sales and unfair business conduct.
They are calling on authorities to reinstate prepaid packages under original terms or issue full refunds.
