Don’t fall for ah long’s empty promises, public warned

KUANTAN: Do not be taken in by the “sweet” words of loan sharks and their lucrative offers.

Kuantan police chief Asst Comm Mohd Noor Yusof Ali urged the public to stay away from loan sharks.

“Small-time businessmen and civil servants have become victims.

“There have also been cases where these syndicates go after family members of the borrowers by sending them warning letters and scaring them,” he said.

ACP Mohd Noor said this after officers of the Kuantan police dep­artment, together with staff from the Kuantan Municipal Counc­il, carried out an operation to remove loan shark banners in town.

The three-hour operation, which began at 8am, saw them clearing 3,650 banners from trees, lamp posts and other structures.

“We focused our efforts at Indera Mahkota, Bukit Setongkol and Sungai Isap, as well as areas where these syndicates are active.

“We will continue to monitor and take stern action against these syndicates,” said ACP Mohd Noor.

In 2017, Kuantan police made 55 arrests related to this offence. Of the number, 15 were charged in court.

ACP Mohd Noor said those arrested could face charges under the Moneylenders Act 1951.