A 56-year-old woman, identified as Shamsiah, has been living in fear after borrowing just RM1,300 from an illegal moneylender last year.
What began as a small online loan, taken after she was misled by an investment advertisement, quickly spiralled into a nightmare.
The amount ballooned from RM1,300 to RM50,000, before skyrocketing to RM103,000
Despite having paid an astonishing RM50,000, the syndicate claimed the repayments were invalid due to a so‑called “wrong code”. Since then, the harassment has escalated into violence. Her home was splashed with paint multiple times in December and January, followed by even more alarming attacks.
In early February, her house gate was set on fire on two consecutive days.
The intimidation did not stop there. By March, her sister’s home and even a neighbour’s house were targeted in arson attempts, a tactic believed to be used to pressure her into paying more. The syndicate is now demanding RM103,000 and has threatened to launch coordinated attacks on the homes of 11 of her family members starting 15 April.
Speaking at a press conference with the Malaysian International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO), Shamsiah shared her ongoing trauma and fear for her family’s safety. MHO’s secretary‑general described the loan sharks as highly organised criminal groups that exploit victims through relentless extortion and threats, showing no regard for the law or human life.
In another case revealed by MHO, a father’s vehicle was burned over a small RM150 loan taken by his bedridden son.
At the press conference, MHO secretary‑general Hishamuddin Hashim highlighted a growing pattern of violence, underscoring the urgent need for stronger enforcement. Shamsiah was also present to share details of her harrowing experience with an unlicensed moneylender.
Authorities are being urged to treat such cases as serious organised crimes rather than minor offences, in order to ensure harsher penalties and better protection for victims.
