An elderly woman is facing relentless harassment from loan sharks over a RM46,000 debt linked to her late son, who died by suicide in May 2021 amid heavy financial struggles during the Movement Control Order (MCO).
The woman, identified only as Choo, 68, shared her heartbreaking story during a press conference at Wisma MCA. She revealed that her youngest son passed away on May 27, 2021, while she was hospitalized for Covid-19. The son, aged 34 at the time, had been grappling with significant debts and had previously borrowed from loan sharks. His elder brother had even settled nearly RM100,000 of his debts before his death.
Choo recounted that on August 8, she was contacted by a man claiming to be a loan shark demanding repayment of RM46,000, insisting the debt was owed by her deceased son. The man also threatened Choo directly and contacted her late son’s elder brother, warning that they would be “disturbed” if the debt remained unpaid.
“I explained that my son died more than four years ago because of debt. How can I pay for something I didn’t borrow?” Choo said. She added that despite explaining her financial difficulties and lack of support from her children, the loan shark continued to pressure and threaten the family.
The harasser reportedly used multiple phone numbers to call and send WhatsApp messages, even offering to negotiate a discount if Choo agreed to pay.
“I’m scared because he threatened to come to my house. I have lodged a police report and sought assistance from the MCA Public Services and Complaints Bureau,” Choo stated.
Datuk Seri Michael Chong, chief of the MCA Public Services and Complaints Bureau, condemned the actions of loan sharks who exploit vulnerable communities. He noted that the bureau has received hundreds of similar complaints, with many victims coming from the Chinese community. He called for stronger enforcement and stern action against these predatory loan sharks.
