FROM threatening calls to splashes of red paint, moneylenders and debt collectors have many techniques when it comes to getting what they believe is their due. Recently, a video was uploaded; it showed a group of men demanding payment by going to a borrower's home with banners and loudspeakers.
Is it true that this is a new tactic used by debt collectors?
Verdict:
TRUE
MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong confirmed this at a press conference on Thursday (Oct 26), saying that his office was also sent the video.
He added that he believes the video was shot in Johor Bahru
"They will go to the house of the borrower and there they will shout, scold and make a nuisance outside to force them to come out.
"It is to shame them and as a result, the neighbours will all come out to see what is happening as well.
"This is a new modus operandi and tactic," he said.
He added that while there was a possibility that money lenders might say that this was a "nicer way" of getting their money back, Chong said that violent means sure as lighting cars on fire could still be used if the borrower did not return the money.
"And based on the video that was given to us, we don't know if the person is also forced to pay a large amount back in unreasonable interest," he said.
Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) senior vice-chairman Datuk Seri Ayub Yaakob, who was also present, said that these tactics are new and are aimed to shame not only the borrower but their family and friends as well.
"In the terms of the law there is also an element of extortion. They will also harass the family members, who are innocent people. We are confident that the borrower knows that if they do not pay up the loan sharks will go for their family members," he said.
Ayub added that the police, through its Commercial Crimes Investigation Department, have been notified of this tactic and are actively investigating the matter.
