KOTA BHARU: The Kelantan Police Chief's firm action to crack down on illegal money-lending syndicates, or alongs, by reopening investigations into more than 100 old cases for the offence is believed to be among the reasons for the threats against him.
Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said he had ordered a review of old cases involving threats against loan-shark victims that had previously been classified as no further action (NFA) at the district level, according to Sinar Harian.
"From January to November last year alone, we reopened 72 cases.
"As of December, the number had increased to more than 100 cases after they were reclassified when they were identified as having prima facie cases," he told reporters when met at the Kelantan Police Contingent Headquarters, here, on Monday (Jan 13).
According to him, the cases involved victims who were threatened after failing to repay loans or excessive interest, including under Section 5(1) of the Moneylenders Act 1951.
He said that the victims of the along syndicate were not only among villagers, but also involved teachers and individuals with permanent positions who were trapped in debt and experiencing extreme stress.
“Imagine borrowing RM40,000 and paying RM200,000, yet still being in debt. It’s cruel.
"Some victims become so stressed that they develop suicidal tendencies," said Mohd Yusoff.
He added that combating the menace was among the five main focuses of his administration, besides drugs and border security.
He also revealed that the syndicates operating in this state were brought in from outside, such as Kuala Lumpur, Johor and Penang, and were operating through local “gangster” networks.
Mohd Yusoff added that the group was also identified as often using physical and psychological intimidation methods, including paint spraying, vandalism and open threats, which are usually commercial crimes.
He did not rule out the possibility that the gang syndicate was responding to ongoing police pressure, especially after strict action was taken against their activities in a short period.
"I am not afraid of any threats; I will continue to investigate all angles," he repeated.
Commenting on the threatening "11–2=9" symbol scrawled on the wall of the Bachok target area entrance, Mohd Yusoff said the police had not drawn any initial conclusions because the symbol was likely created deliberately to confuse the investigation.
Last week, newspapers reported that four men in their 20s were taken in for questioning to provide statements to assist in the investigation into the threat case.
