Those who seek loans from ah longs mostly gambling addicts, says Michael Chong

VICTIMS of unlicensed money lending syndicates or ah longs were found to be mostly those addicted to gambling and seeking instant wealth.

MCA Public Services and Complaints Bureau chairman Datuk Seri Michael Chong said that from January to September 19, a total of 281 cases of ah long loans were recorded involving debts of RM26.2 million.

According to him, from a review of the complaints received, the loans involved a total of 2,949 ah longs.

He said that of the total, 244 cases involved Chinese, Malays (23 cases), Indians (12 cases) and others (2 cases).

"More than 80 percent of cases in the Chinese community were found to be related to gambling problems. For them, gambling is one of the most effective and quickest ways to get rich.

"However, when they lose, they are entangled in debt and threats," he told a press conference at Wisma MCA today.

Meanwhile, Chong said that most cases involving the Malay community are related to business matters while those involving the Indians are believed to be for survival purposes.

"Looking at this data, I am disappointed considering all the advice and campaigns that have been implemented to educate the community not to take out loans from ah longs.

"They should have sought services from licensed money lenders or banks," he said. - September 21, 2025