Pregnant woman among five ah long accomplices arrested

KUANTAN: A pregnant woman was among five individuals arrested on suspicion of helping an unlicensed money lender or ah long, to threaten victims.

Kuantan OCPD Asst Comm Wan Mohd Zahari Wan Busu said the five, aged between 29 and 45, were believed to have been involved in activities like spraying paint on houses, lock up gates, splash or write threats in paint or markers of about 31 houses of those who owed the ah long who is also known as 'Jimmy'.

"They were arrested in Permatang Badak and Sungai Isap during a raid at 4pm last Thursday (1 Sept). They are believed to have been involved in illegal activities since last year.

"Police confiscated several items like red paint, thinner and plastic bags filled with red paint.

"We also seized items like chains and iron handles which we believe were used to lock houses of victims," he told reporters at the Kuantan district police headquarters on Monday (Sept 5).

ACP Wan Mohd Zahari said all the suspects had previous drug-related offences and had been remanded for further investigation.

The case is being investigated under Section 29B of the Money Lenders Act 1951. If found guilty they can be fined a maximum of RM250,000 or jail not more than three years or both. - Bernama