MHO Urges Crackdown on Loan Shark Syndicates, Not Just ‘Small Fish’

KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Ministry must treat the ah long (loan shark) menace as an organised crime problem, not merely a commercial offence, said the Malaysian International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO).

Its secretary-general Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim urged authorities to go after the masterminds behind these syndicates instead of only arresting low-level operatives tasked with intimidation acts like throwing paint or Molotov cocktails.

He said many victims suffer mental distress, family breakdowns, and financial ruin — often without realising they were trapped in elaborate loan scams.

Loan Shark

“These victims are not borrowers but scam victims,” Hishamuddin said, adding that ah long syndicates disguise themselves as legitimate SME loan providers demanding upfront payments before manipulating repayment terms.

He warned that small loans can spiral into hundreds of thousands of ringgit, likening the scheme to other fraud types such as Macau and forex scams.

Business News

Staff Writer

Recent Posts

Space Data Centers Spark Debate Amid Billion-Dollar Investments

Tech giants push space data centers as AI solution, but critics warn of massive costs,…

7 hours ago

MAG Considers Khazanah Funding to Support Fleet Expansion

Malaysia Aviation Group plans to use Khazanah Nasional funds to expand its aircraft fleet by…

20 hours ago

US Trade deficit widened in Feb by less than forecast

In February, the US trade deficit grew to USD57.3 billion, less than expected, with increases…

22 hours ago

MTT Shipping and Logistics: Ruling the Domestic Container Lanes

Public Investment Bank values MTT Shipping and Logistics Berhad at RM1.23, citing a 10x PER…

23 hours ago

VS Industry: Dragged by Philippines Operations

VS Industry Bhd faces substantial losses in the Philippines due to supply chain disruptions and…

23 hours ago

Trump Fires Pam Bondi, Names Todd Blanche Acting Chief

Trump fires Attorney General Pam Bondi, appoints Todd Blanche interim chief; Democrats welcome move, citing…

1 day ago

This website uses cookies.