By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, May 8: A family from Stutong Baru is allegedly living in fear after a RM600 loan taken from an illegal money lender reportedly snowballed into a staggering RM19,000 debt.
Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap said the woman who approached him claimed her brother had initially borrowed only RM600 from an illegal money lender, commonly known as an “Ah Long”.
However, the debt allegedly escalated drastically due to excessive interest charges, intimidation, and unlawful demands imposed by the syndicate.
“The family is now living in fear after receiving threats and harassment from the illegal money lender.
“Two police reports have already been lodged over the matter,” he said in a press release issued today.
Yap stressed that this case is yet another painful reminder that the ending with illegal money lenders is almost always a nightmare.
“Illegal money lenders prey on vulnerable individuals who are facing hardship. They trap borrowers in a vicious cycle of fear and debt.
“No amount borrowed is worth sacrificing the safety and peace of mind of your family,” he said.
He urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the case and take firm action against those involved in illegal lending and criminal intimidation.
Yap also stressed that residents must be protected from threats, harassment, and unlawful acts allegedly carried out by such syndicates.
At the same time, he reminded the public not to seek financial assistance from illegal money lenders regardless of how desperate their circumstances may be.
“There may be quick money at the beginning, but the consequences can destroy lives. The public must understand that Ah Longs are not a solution — they are the beginning of a bigger disaster,” he warned. — DayakDaily
