A recent news report stated that the family of a man who took his own life last year says they are being harassed by a loan shark, who is now targeting the man’s mother and sister.
MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong said the family believes the victim hanged himself on Nov 8, 2024, after being pressured by a loan shark.
According to him, on Jan 29, a loan shark identified as Marcus Sam contacted the victim’s family, demanding repayment.
Although he was shown proof of the victim’s death, Chong alleged that the loan shark refused to back down and continued to threaten the family.
“On Jan 29, a loan shark contacted the complainant (deceased’s sister) via WhatsApp regarding her late brother’s debt. The sister was shocked as she had not been in contact with her late brother for three years prior to his death due to his habitual borrowing.”
“The family, too, had distanced themselves from him because he constantly borrowed money, causing them problems,” he said in a press conference.
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When the mother could not pay, the loan shark had apparently turned to the victim’s sister, humiliating her by posting her photo on Facebook and falsely labelling her a con woman in order to pressure her into settling the debt.
“The loan shark also posted the complainant’s (the sister’s) photo with words “borrow money, return money” on Facebook on 1 Feb.”
According to him, the loan shark never disclosed the exact amount the deceased owed. He also claimed that the loan shark went as far as threatening to set their home on fire.
The family has since lodged two police reports.
Meanwhile, MCA Selangor Public Services and Complaints Bureau head and lawyer Ivan Tan said they will be urging the police to take action under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and Section 383 of the Penal Code for extortion.
Section 233 carries a fine of up to RM50,000 or one year in prison or both, while Section 383, punishable under Section 384, can lead to a 10-year jail term, a fine, or whipping.
We hope that the family gets the justice they’re looking for.
