KUALA LUMPUR: She bought the house of her dreams, spent more than RM200,000 turning it into a home, and lived there peacefully for 12 years.
But that sense of security was shattered when strangers began demanding payment for a debt she said was never hers.
The woman, who wished to be known only as Leong, said she purchased the house in Kepong for RM245,000 in 2012 and moved in two years later after completing renovations.
The 46-year-old restaurant manager said trouble began in February this year when she received a loan shark demand notice addressed to the previous owner’s son over alleged gambling debts.
“I received a letter in my mailbox stating that this person owed money. At that time, nothing happened. But later, I became the target of harassment,” she said at a press conference organised by MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong at Wisma MCA yesterday.
Leong contacted the previous owner, who confirmed it involved his son.
On Feb 24, the son lodged a police report denying he had ever borrowed money from loan sharks.
The situation escalated on July 25 when her house was splashed with red paint at about 2.30am.
“After that, I received a threatening voice message telling me that if I did not ask the borrower to come forward, my house would be burnt down,” she said.
Leong said the loan shark initially demanded RM20,000 for an alleged RM5,000 debt. Although the sum was later reduced, she refused to pay.
“I bought this house legally. I do not know the borrower, and I should not be responsible for his debt,” she said.
Leong added that motorcycles circled her house on Aug 2 and 3, intimidating her family.
“We’re afraid because we don’t know what they’ll do next,” said Leong, who has lodged two reports at the Desa Jaya police station.
Chong stressed that innocent buyers must not be victimised over previous occupants’ debts, calling the harassment unreasonable and urging the police to investigate thoroughly.
MCA Federal Territories Legal Bureau chief Victor Teoh said the alleged threats could constitute extortion under Section 383 of the Penal Code.
“The alleged threats to burn down the house and harm innocent occupants warrant thorough police investigation,” he said, adding that those convicted of extortion under Section 384 face up to 10 years’ jail, a fine, whipping or a combination of these penalties.
