A FAMILY in Mak Mandin, Butterworth is living in fear after their house was splashed with red paint by loan sharks.
Tan Sok Ching, a mother of three children, said the incident happened in the early morning of Nov 7.
“Someone placed a piece of paper with our address and phone numbers on our gate. There was also a note in red ink demanding payment.
“After the incident, I quickly lodged a police report on the same day together with my children. My husband is working far from here. I am worried and scared for my family,” she told reporters during a press conference held by Bagan Jermal assemblyman Chee Yeeh Keen at his service centre in Jalan Raja Uda, Butterworth yesterday (Nov 9).
Also present were Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) councillor Ng Yee Siang and Tan’s son Lim Kea Huang.
Lim, 21, explained that the issue arose when he borrowed SGD$300 (RM1,041) from a loan shark while working in Singapore.
“I was working as a kitchen helper only, so there was a time when I overspent my money on living costs and rental fees.
“So, instead of troubling my mom, I came across a loan shark’s number on Facebook. At first, I tried to borrow SGD$1,000 (RM3,471). But later I was told by them that I was only eligible to borrow SGD$300.
“So, on Sept 16, I gave them my personal particulars, including my passport and bank account. Shortly after, I decided to cancel the deal, but they told me it could not be cancelled even though I did not sign any documents yet.
“After they wired the money to me, they told me to pay SGD$120 per week and I have already paid the required amount on Sept 21, Oct 5, 11 and Oct 18. So, in total, I have already paid SGD$480. Thus basically, I have already paid more than what I borrowed,” he said.
Lim added that unfortunately, the loan shark did not want to let him go and asked him to pay another SGD$420.
“My mother could not afford such a sum as a general worker. Consequently, our house was targeted with red paint the following day,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chee said the illegal moneylenders were a menace to society.
“I hope the police will take stern action and do its best to assist Tan’s family.
“At the same time, I would also like to advise the public to be careful and think twice before borrowing money from loan sharks. Instead, try to borrow from licensed operators or banks. Don’t fall for their illegal schemes,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis