A 24-year-old man with a learning disability claims he has been living under constant pressure after allegedly being harassed by loan sharks almost every day since last month over unpaid interest and loans taken through several money-lending applications.
Kong Jun Xian said he initially borrowed nearly RM4,000 through five different loan applications after being attracted by advertisements on social media in June. He claimed he turned to the loans because of urgent financial needs, but never expected the amount he would eventually have to repay to exceed RM17,000.
According to Kong, each loan came with a transaction and service fee, with the deductions leaving him with far less money than the amount stated in the application. In one instance, he claimed he applied for a RM1,900 loan but received only RM1,100 after RM800 was deducted as a service transaction fee.
He said the situation became more distressing last month when individuals believed to be loan sharks began contacting him using different telephone numbers to demand payment. Kong claimed the callers also issued threats involving criminal acts and repeatedly sent him threatening images.
Among the alleged threats were warnings that his house would be set on fire, splashed with red paint and that his family would also be harassed. He further claimed that he had received death threats, leaving him worried about his own safety as well as that of his family.
“I am under a lot of stress and worried about my safety. I am also afraid my family could be targeted. I am at a loss because even after telling them I would repay the money, they continue harassing me every day,” he said during a press conference at the DAPSY Selangor Complaints Centre.
Kong has since lodged a police report over the alleged harassment. He said he wanted to repay what he owed but was currently unable to do so due to his financial situation.
Meanwhile, DAPSY Selangor chief Lee Wen Bin urged police to take appropriate action, particularly as the case allegedly involves criminal threats against the victim.
Lee also called on the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to take stronger action against advertisements and promotions for unlicensed money-lending services circulating on social media.
He said the ease with which such advertisements reach users could put more vulnerable individuals at risk of falling victim to similar schemes.
“This is the first time I have come across money-lending applications, and I will lodge a complaint with MCMC so action can be taken against the advertisements and applications,” he said.
Lee added that authorities should intervene early as unlicensed lenders appeared to be becoming increasingly bold, warning that more people could potentially be deceived if such advertisements and applications were left unchecked.
