KUALA LUMPUR: The MCA Public Services and Complaints Department has received 281 ah long cases, involving some RM26mil in funds this year.
Its head, Datuk Seri Michael Chong, said the department received an average of 16 cases per month.
"However, the number spiked to 60 cases in July.
"The complaints range from borrowers to their family members seeking help as they are facing harassment and threats from the loan sharks," he told a press conference at Wisma MCA on Sunday (Sept 21).
He said he was perplexed as to why people were still borrowing from ah long despite all the media reports highlighting their horrible deeds.
"We urge those in need of financial aid to go through legitimate financial institutions or licenced money lenders.
"Borrowing from ah long will only lead to misery and trouble," he lamented.
