IPOH: A family of seven in Simpang Pulai is being harassed by loan sharks who demand repayment of money they never borrowed.
Lee, 66, a farmer, said the family is now living in fear, having received threats recently from loan sharks pursuing them for money.
"The loan shark told us that my son, the fifth child in the family, borrowed some money from loan sharks in Singapore," he said at a press conference organised by Simpang Pulai assemblyman Wong Chai Yi on Friday (Aug 16).
Lee said his son, Aaron Kok Wai Kit, was working in Singapore.
"We also have no connection with him as he was given for adoption at birth. We tried contacting him but to no avail," he said.
Lee said the loan sharks would not provide an exact figure but kept demanding more money each time an amount was paid. He added that the payments he made were to local bank accounts.
Wong said that similar threats have been reported in Gunung Rapat, Pinggir Rapat Perdana and Bercham.
"The group was arrested on Aug 8 in Johor.
“It is common for Singaporean loan sharks to hire local groups to chase debtors in Malaysia.
"We advise anyone facing similar threats not to pay. Report the matter to the police and contact the Simpang Pulai service centre for assistance," she said.
She also cautioned those working in Singapore to steer clear of obtaining illegal loans, as it could result in their families in Malaysia being harassed.
