RM4 Billion in Properties Frozen — Who Should You Avoid When Buying in Johor Bahru?

📌 Breaking News: MBI Case Shakes Malaysia’s Real Estate Sector
In early June 2025, multiple Malaysian media outlets reported that MBI Group International is under investigation for alleged illegal fundraising and money laundering. More than RM400 million worth of properties linked to the company have been frozen by authorities. 

📰 News Sources:

• The Star: “MBI-linked properties worth RM400mil frozen”

• New Straits Times: “Police freeze MBI assets”

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🕵️‍♂️ Who Is MBI? A Quick Timeline of the Scandal

MBI Group International, founded in 2012, attracted investors with promises of returns through e-wallets, cryptocurrencies, and property investments. The founder, Tan Sri T.C. Fang, actively promoted the so-called “MBI Ecosystem” in Malaysia, China, and Hong Kong, even launching his own digital currency — MBI Coin.

Key Events:

• 2017: MBI listed on Bank Negara Malaysia’s financial scam alert list

• 2018: Founder arrested in Langkawi, causing nationwide concern

• 2019: Several property projects stalled due to financial issues — buyers couldn’t obtain units or refunds

• June 2025: Police and anti-money laundering authorities froze over RM400 million worth of real estate assets under MBI-linked companies

Many investors thought they were buying legal residential units, unaware that the developer was linked to illegal funds. In the end, some couldn’t register their property titles or receive their units — a total loss of investment.

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❗ Red Flags in High-Risk Property Projects

The MBI case is not isolated. Here are common warning signs of unsafe property deals:

⚠️ Warning Sign	🔍 Risk Explanation
❌ No HDA Protection	No government safeguards — no compensation if the project fails
❌ Non-transparent funding	Hidden sources may indicate illegal financing
❌ Unrealistic rental returns	Promised high yields often undelivered
❌ No APDL license	Lack of legal sales permit — illegal to sell

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✅ Safe Developers You Can Trust in Johor Bahru

To protect your hard-earned money, always choose reputable, compliant, and stable developers.

🟢 EXSIM Group – Project: Brixton@CIQ

• Kuala Lumpur-based, with 15+ successful projects

• Partnered with Mana-Mana for Airbnb management

• Holds official certifications like CIDB & SPNB

🟢 Majestic Group – Project: Majestic Tower

• Long-standing JB-based developer

• Track record of successful handovers (e.g., Skysuites, Grandview)

🟢 Sunway Property – Project: Sunway City

• Listed conglomerate with township developments

• Integrates malls, hospitals, and schools in projects

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📈 Why Now Is a Good Time to Buy in Johor Bahru? 

✅ RTS Rail Link Near Completion (2026)
Singapore-Johor commute in just 5 minutes — expected to raise CIQ-area property values.

✅ CIQ Area Heating Up （Near CIQ Condo, Near RTS Condo)
More launches from reputable names like EXSIM and Majestic — buy early, gain early.

✅ Ongoing Government Incentives
Low interest rates and first-home buyer support still in place.

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🏁 Final Thoughts: Your Developer Matters More Than the Price

The MBI case is a wake-up call — price shouldn’t be your only concern. Who you buy from matters more.

💡 A wrong choice could cost you your life savings.
✅ A right choice — like EXSIM, Majestic, or Sunway — ensures peace of mind, long-term value, and real growth.