By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 6: A Kota Sentosa family has allegedly become the target of threats and arson attacks by illegal moneylenders over a RM7,000 loan taken out by their son, prompting a fresh warning to the public about the dangers of borrowing from unlicensed lenders.
Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap Yau Sin today accompanied the husband and wife to meet Kuching District Police Chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu after the couple lodged five police reports relating to the incidents.
According to Yap, the family claimed their son had borrowed RM7,000 from illegal moneylenders, who are now allegedly demanding about RM30,000 as settlement.
The family also alleged that the lenders had resorted to intimidation, threatening messages and acts of arson targeting their house and vehicle.
Describing the case as a stark reminder of the consequences of dealing with illegal moneylenders, Yap said what begins as a seemingly small loan can quickly spiral into a nightmare for borrowers and their families.
“This case serves as a serious warning to the public. What may begin as a seemingly small loan can quickly spiral into a nightmare for the borrower and, more tragically, for innocent family members.
“Illegal moneylenders often use fear, threats, harassment and violence to extort money far beyond the original loan amount,” he said in a statement today.
Yap revealed that the couple’s son has since left the family home and is currently in hiding, leaving his parents to bear the consequences of the alleged actions taken by the illegal lending syndicate.
“No parent should have to live in fear in their own home because of the actions of criminal syndicates.
“The alleged threats and acts of arson directed at the family are unacceptable and cannot be tolerated in a law-abiding society,” he stressed.
Yap said he had requested the police to conduct a thorough investigation and take swift action to identify and apprehend those responsible.
“The alleged threats, intimidation, criminal damage and acts of arson are serious offences under the Penal Code.
“Those responsible must be brought to justice to ensure the safety of the victims and to send a clear message that such criminal behaviour will not be tolerated,” he said.
He also urged members of the public facing similar situations to immediately lodge police reports and seek assistance from the authorities, elected representatives or relevant support agencies.
At the same time, Yap advised those experiencing financial difficulties to seek help through legitimate financial institutions, government assistance programmes, licensed moneylenders or debt counselling services instead of turning to illegal lenders.
“Borrowing from illegal moneylenders is never the solution. The consequences can be devastating, not only financially but also emotionally and physically.
“The public must remain vigilant and avoid falling into the trap of illegal lending syndicates,” he added.
Yap also thanked the police for their attention to the case and expressed confidence that a thorough investigation would be carried out to bring the perpetrators to justice. — DayakDaily
