LOAN sharks are resorting to increasingly violent tactics, including throwing petrol bombs and splashing paint on borrowers’ homes, even after loans have been repaid, in what victims believe is an attempt to extort more money.
A 57-year-old woman, identified only as Lim, from Puchong said her son borrowed RM1,400 from loan sharks in June to start a business but had already repaid RM2,000.
Despite the repayment, the lenders allegedly continued targeting her family’s home with paint attacks and petrol bombs.
“They demanded more money, not only from me but also from my other children and former husband. When they did not get it, they threw petrol bombs,” she said at a press conference organised by the International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO) at its headquarters here today.
Lim said she approached MHO for advice after the harassment continued and was advised to lodge a police report.
However, she alleged that the threats escalated after the report was lodged, with her home attacked with paint and petrol bombs on three occasions.
She said the incidents had also strained relations with neighbours, who had urged her family to move out for fear of further attacks.
“My family and I only moved there early this year and had completely renovated the house. We should not be forced to move because of this.
“I sincerely hope the authorities will take appropriate action to stop these attacks,” she said.
In a separate case, a 40-something lorry driver, identified as Anuar, said he received a WhatsApp message in May offering a loan scheme.
He said he initially checked the lender’s status and was told it was a licensed moneylender before applying for RM9,000.
However, he received only RM8,450, while the lenders also took several documents and his bank card when they met him by the roadside.
Anuar said he became suspicious two months later after a friend warned him that the lenders were loan sharks, prompting him to cancel the bank card.
He alleged that the lenders subsequently threatened him and circulated copies of his identity card in his neighbourhood.
After lodging a police report on MHO’s advice, he claimed the lenders continued calling and threatening to deliver a 'gift'.
He said he feared for his family’s safety as the lenders knew his home address and workplace.
Anuar appealed to police to reopen an investigation previously classified as no further action (NFA), saying immediate intervention was necessary.
MHO secretary-general Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim said the organisation would assist in seeking a review of Anuar’s case, citing alleged criminal acts.
In Lim’s case, he urged police to take appropriate action, saying CCTV footage was available showing the alleged attacks. - November 6, 2026
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