Last October, Hong Kong star Andy Lau (劉德華) and Mandopop icon Jay Chou (周杰倫) performed in Kuala Lumpur, each to sold-out crowds. Competition for tickets was so fierce that many had to rely on resold tickets at exorbitant prices to ensure a seat. Unfortunately, there were also many cases of fans receiving fake tickets.
Earlier this week, a local man was charged in court for selling fake tickets to Andy Lau and Jay Chou’s concerts. Thomas Lee Huat Sheng pleaded not guilty to fraud under Section 420 of the Penal Code. According to reports, the 30-year-old was accused of deceiving a 38-year-old man, tricking him into purchasing 16 non-existent VIP tickets to Andy Lau’s “Today… Is The Day (今天…is the Day)” concert and 20 VIP tickets to Jay Chou’s “Carnival World Tour (嘉年华演唱会)” concert.
A quick search shows that VIP tickets for Andy Lau’s concert were priced at RM1188, while the priciest tickets for Jay Chou’s show were RM1138 for the CAT 1 section. Court records revealed that the victim had transferred RM67,608 to Thomas’ bank account. The transfers were made through three transactions between May and September at a premise in Bandar Kinrara, Puchong.
If found guilty, Thomas faces imprisonment of up to ten years, whipping and a fine. Magistrate Aina Azahra Arifin has allowed bail for RM10,000 with one guarantor. However, Thomas’ lawyer had pleaded for a lower amount, saying the former entertainment company employee has bipolar disorder. The lawyer added that the accused has to care for two young children, aged five and seven. The case has set 7th January 2025 for mention.
We’ll have to wait to see what the verdict is, but we hope Thomas’ case becomes a reminder for many to beware of scams for concert tickets. With many more concerts set for 2025, let’s hope such issues will no longer be rampant.
Watch the video of Thomas below:
Sources: Oriental Daily, Free Malaysia Today, The Star
