KUALA LUMPUR: It was supposed to be a happy wedding reception for Nur Izzati Zulkifli, 24, last Saturday.
But, on the contrary, the atmosphere was tense and chaotic for her and her family when the wedding planner failed to turn up.
It was learnt that Nur Izzati was among nine victims who were deceived by the wedding planner company based in Sungai Buloh, occurring almost RM500,000 losses.
Izzati’s mother, Hapizah Abd Ghani, 58, said her family members were infuriated and frustrated by the irresponsible action of the company.
"This was the first wedding reception in the family. It was tense and chaotic that day as we needed to find restaurants and cooking utensils to prepare for the meals after the company representative failed to turn up.
I felt sorry for relatives and friends who had dressed-up for the occasion, and they too were helping.
"I was holding my tears during the ceremony to entertain relatives and guests. Only God knows how I felt that day," she told in a press conference at Gerakan headquarters today.
Hapizah said they had paid RM17,350 to the company for the reception as well the kenduri that had held on Feb 15.
"I tried to call them several times that day, but failed to get through. As a wedding planner they should have informed us if they had any problem.
"I hope they return the money. We are not a wealthy family. My kids still studying, my husband is suffering from heart disease, the incident has added to our burden," she said.
Hapizah said the package offered by the company for Izzati was at a low price.
"The package included meals for 1,200 guests, bridal dishes, wedding reception stage, make-up and PA system.
"I manage to meet with the company representatives on the night before the reception, after that they are not contactable.
"The company also threatened to file a summons against my son who posted the incident on his Facebook account," she said.
Meanwhile, Gerakan public services complaints bureau deputy chief Ben Liew Pok Boon, said as of yesterday, they had received nine complaints over a similar scam.
"We estimate more victims will come forward. The company located in Sungai Buloh is believed to have run the business since 2016."