Chong is seen during a meeting with Law.
KUCHING (May 8): A 23-year-old man here learned his lesson the hard way when his initial ‘easy loan’ of RM450 snowballed to RM4,738, despite having paid RM902.
Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen said the man, identified only as Law, borrowed RM450 from a moneylender through a Facebook advertisement on Jan 29.
He said upon clicking on the advertisement link, Law was diverted to the website https://www.gobiaya.com.my.
Law then paid RM902 via Duitnow QR code to an account directed by the moneylender on Feb 12.
“He thought everything had been settled as he has paid double the sum he received after a mere two-week period.
“On March 11, the moneylender sent a message to Law’s WhatsApp account, demanding for a further payment of RM2,484 by him. At the same time, the demand notice was also sent to the WhatpsAp accounts of his parents, brother, and relatives together with an image of his MyKad,” Chong said in a statement.
Law then lodged a police report for reference and ignored the moneylender.
However, on April 29, the moneylender sent images of Law’s MyKad and his family members to his WhatsApp account and the WhatsApp accounts of his parents and relatives using several numbers and demanded payment of RM4,738.
“From RM450, despite payment of RM902, now the alleged ‘debt’ has become RM4,738. This is outright extortion,” said Chong.
He said the moneylender has caused tremendous anxiety and stress on Law and his family.
“On my advice, Law has lodged a police report on harassment and extortion. This is a lesson learned by this 23-year-old young man who has had a terrible experience with the moneylender, who persistently harassed him and his family members.”
Chong said he has written to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to request tracking down those behind the harassment and extortion, as well as the immediate suspension of their social media account, contact numbers, and bank accounts.
He called on the relevant authorities such as MCMC, police, and Bank Negara Malaysia to take more proactive and aggressive roles in tackling the problem.
He also advised law-abiding citizens not to borrow from those who advertise on Facebook or social media.
“All the so-called ‘easy loans’ will make you easy targets for exploitation and scams. Do not borrow from anyone who advertises on Facebook as moneylenders,” he cautioned.
On Law’s case, Chong said they will continue to exert pressure on MCMC and the police to investigate the rogue moneylender who has hidden behind the Internet to commit crimes.
