Navigating the challenges of the working world can be demanding, especially in today's economic climate. Many individuals face the struggle of sustaining a decent income, with job opportunities becoming increasingly competitive, particularly for the younger generation.
In times of financial difficulty, some may turn to Ah Long, an illegal loan shark, to secure temporary financial relief. While borrowing money might provide a quick fix, the real challenge lies in repaying the borrowed sum, often compounded by additional interest demanded by Ah Long.
Neighbour’s Car Splashed With Red Paint After Running Away Without Paying Debts
In a recent incident, an Ah Long was suspected to be involved in a series of threats targeting multiple vehicles in a residential area. The unsettling episode resulted in damage to three vehicles and two houses situated in Taman Selaseh, Gombak.
The unsettling incident came to light when Muhammad's wife, a 31-year-old resident, observed the commotion around 8:00 am on January 25. The loan shark, known as Ah Long, took further action by leaving a note at a neighbour’s house, urging them to contact a borrower from their housing area who had gone missing. Adding to the distress, residents in the neighbourhood were subjected to intimidation as Ah Long threatened to set homes ablaze unless they successfully located the borrower.
“This is a notice for you. Because your neighbour has a debt but doesn’t want to pay. You, as his neighbour, [will need to] tell him to call us and settle his debts. If you don’t do so, you will follow the same. Don’t challenge me to burn down the house. Tell your neighbour to finish it as soon as possible. If not, understand what I will do later,” wrote the note.
This unfortunate incident is not an isolated occurrence in the neighbourhood, signalling a recurring problem. Despite their neighbour relocating houses, the unsettling encounters with the Ah Long persist. In a previous incident, the paint splashes reached his house, but the current situation is considerably more severe.
Deeply concerned about the escalating events, residents in the affected housing area have taken the matter seriously and lodged a police report. ACP Noor Ariffin Mohamad Nasir, the Head of Gombak District Police, has confirmed receiving the report. The Commercial Crime Investigation Department is set to launch an inquiry under Section 427 of the Torture Code in response to this distressing situation.
Tips To Not Be In Debt With An Ah Long
If you find yourself or someone you know entangled with an Ah Long, there are constructive ways to address and settle the debt responsibly:
1) Strategically plan your finances to expedite debt settlement.
2) Explore opportunities to generate additional income.
3) Adhere to the agreed-upon debt repayment amount and schedule.
4) In the face of threats, promptly report the incidents to the authorities.
5) Seek assistance from non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
It's crucial to exercise caution when borrowing money and ensure transactions are conducted through licensed entities, avoiding the pitfalls associated with Ah Longs. As a precautionary tale, read about a former investor who successfully managed to overcome a RM1 million debt, stemming from a failed investment scheme, by diligently working towards financial recovery.
Read: Former Investor Lives In Car With RM1 Million Debt From Failed Investment Scheme
Let’s hope for swift and decisive action from the authorities to address this concerning debt collector issue. It is disheartening to see individuals like Muhammad bear the brunt of such incidents, especially when they are innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire of someone else's financial dealings with an Ah Long. Let justice prevail and preventive measures be put in place to safeguard the community from such distressing occurrences in the future.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.
*Sources: Visual and Reference Credits to Social Media, Awani & various cross-references for context.
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