JOHOR BARU: A 19-year-old Malaysian working in Singapore is being harassed by illegal moneylenders despite having settled his debts.
The victim, who only wanted to be known as On, said that his trouble started when he was scrolling through his Instagram and came across an advertisement offering a financial loan on March 13.
“I wanted to make a loan of SG$400 (RM1,400) and they told me that I needed to repay them SG$550 (RM1,925), to which I agreed.
“They requested for my MyKad number, telephone number, bank account number and my work permit in Singapore, which I provided them with and then I received the money,” he added.
On, who works as a cook in the island republic, said this in a press conference organised by Stulang assemblyman Andrew Chen Kah Eng at his service centre here on Sunday (March 31).
He also said that some five days later after getting the loan from them, he transacted SGD550 into a Singapore bank account to pay up his debt.
On said that he provided them with a bank receipt to show proof that he had already transferred the amount for the loan repayment.
“However, at around 11am on March 23, my mother, who was staying at our flat in Taman Seri Setanggi here told me that a fire broke out in front of our steel gate and caused damage.
“Luckily, our neighbours came to my mother’s aid and immediately put the fire out,” he said, adding that he then received a WhatsApp message from the loan shark demanding another SG$5,500 (RM19,257) or more trouble would follow soon.
He added that he told the loan shark that he did not want to make such payments as he already settled the initial debt to them but they ignored his pleas.
“They told me that they would continue raising my debt despite full payment being made. The loan shark then contacted my employer telling him that I owed them money.
“But I already explained to my boss and showed him the online banking receipt that I have settled my debt with them. My boss believed me and I am grateful that I still have my job,” he said.
On added that he then went back to his hometown in Yong Peng last Thursday (March 28), but the loan shark then threw a petrol bomb into his aunt’s house.
He said that following the two incidents, his family members have lodged separate police reports fearing for their safety.
Meanwhile, Chen urged the public, especially Malaysians working in Singapore, to be wary when coming across any financial loan offers on social media.
He said that he would also hold a discussion with the police and Singapore consulate-general here to find a solution to the matter as there have been cases of Malaysians being harassed by illegal moneylenders across the Causeway.
When contacted, Johor Baru South OCPD Asst Comm Raub Selamat confirmed a report had been lodged and police were investigating the matter.
