KUCHING, June 19: It is an offence under the Penal Code to threaten anyone to perform an act that the person is not legally bound to do, cautions Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP)’s Public Complaints Bureau (PCB) chief Wilfred Yap.
“Anyone who receives a threat of injury to person or property or to his family members from illegal moneylenders should immediately lodge a police report to enable the police to take action,” said Yap in a statement today.
Yap, who is a practising lawyer, was recently approached by a woman from Kuching seeking assistance as she felt “harassed, threatened and scared” after a stranger called her for payment for a loan they alleged her brother owed them.
According to the woman, the caller claimed her handphone number was given by her brother. She has since gone to the police.
Yap advised people with financial difficulties to never resort to money lenders or ‘loan sharks’ to solve their problems.
“People with financial difficulties should also not be drawn in by the sweet promises of these easy loans from illegal moneylenders. Individuals should be wary and aware of the implications of dealing with illegal moneylenders due to the bad repercussions, especially on their family members if they cannot pay,” said Yap.
He said SUPP PCB is always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone facing problems or who come across problems of public interest but does not know how to deal with it.
Anyone requiring assistance can call SUPP Public Complaint’s mobile number at 016-7797688 or 082-246999 or go direct to SUPP Head Office to request for assistance. — DayakDaily
