Lions become shark victims: At least three lion dance troupes in Johor have been sent to homes under the guise of birthday surprise bookings, only to realise they were hired by loan sharks to intimidate borrowers.
JOHOR BARU: Loan sharks are now misusing lion dance performances to harass debtors, a worrying tactic that risks tarnishing the image of the traditional art form, says the Johor Dragon and Lion Dance Association.
Association president Heng Pok Hiam said at least three troupes in the state had lodged complaints after being duped into performing at homes under the guise of birthday surprise bookings, only to realise later that they had been roped into illegal debt collection schemes.
“In each case, the groups were told to take videos of the lion dance routine, believed to be used by the loan sharks to pressure debtors into paying up,” he told a press conference organised by Johor MCA Youth public services and complaints bureau chief Henry Mok yesterday.
Heng said that these troupes suffered financial losses as they were not paid for their services, despite fielding teams of at least 10 members – some of whom are school students.
“This is worrying, not just because of the financial loss, but because it tarnishes the image of lion dance, which is deeply rooted in culture and usually associated with joy, blessings and celebration.
“We do not want the public to start viewing lion dance negatively,” he said, adding that such incidents undermine efforts to preserve the art form, which has evolved into a competitive sport requiring discipline, training and teamwork.
“We are also working towards having lion dance included in the Malaysia Games and SEA Games like Wushu. We do not want these irresponsible acts to hinder our progress,” he said.
Heng said the association would hold a meeting with its members soon to raise awareness and help prevent other groups from being exploited in similar scams.
One of those affected was the Kulai Hua Yi Lion and Dragon Dance Association, whose head Lai En Liang said members performed in Taman Johor Jaya last Sunday after receiving a booking for a RM1,388 birthday surprise package.
Mid-performance, a shocked house resident informed them that no such person lived there.
“I contacted the caller for our payment, but he instead suggested collaborating in future to help harass debtors for a fee of RM1,000,” he said.
Another group, Hok Quan Lion Dance Johor Baru, had a similar experience at a house in Taman Pelangi on April 4.
Team leader Ng How Ching said they had received a last-minute booking and were instructed to collect the payment at the location.
“We were surprised when the so-called birthday celebrant did not come out. Later, a foreign woman came out of the house and told us there was no such person living there,” he said, adding that the resident even called the police.
Ng said the team returned to the house later that evening hoping to be paid, as many of his members were school students who had expected allowances for their performance.
He added that the team realised they were duped after noticing a funeral wreath with the woman’s name placed at the front door.
Mok said Johor MCA Youth strongly condemned the behaviour of the loan sharks.
“Cultural performances should not be misused as tools of intimidation.
“We urge other troupes who have encountered similar incidents to come forward to create greater awareness and lodge police reports,” he added.
