JOHOR BARU – Police have arrested two suspected loan sharks in Taman Suria near here in relation to the harassment of a family in Taman Bukit Mewah, Tampoi.
Johor Baru Utara police chief Rupeah Abd Wahid said police are looking for more people believed to be linked to the gang.
“We have picked up the two for investigation, and they will be detained under the Prevention of Crime Act 1959. We are investigating further to establish the suspects’ criminal activities.”
Rupeah was commenting on a report by The Vibes, in which the family recounted how they are being terrorised by Singapore-based loan sharks, even after telling the thugs that they have not borrowed their money.
The loan sharks, better known as Ah Longs, have been harassing the family since last December, after a woman who rented a room at their house about seven years ago could not repay the loan she took from them.
A family member, who has been under Covid-19 lockdown in Singapore since March last year, sought help from police, as the family home has been on the receiving end of three attacks in two months – including the infamous dousing of red paint on their house.
Things escalated further on February 9, when the gangster hurled petrol bombs at the property.
Despite helping to settle the debts and paying more money to secure his family’s safety, the 32-year old man said he fears for his wife and children, aged 1 and 4, respectively.
“The Ah Long sent a message to my phone, threatening to burn my house and kill my family. He even challenged me to go to the police as no one can identify him.
“As a final resort, I am seeking police help to overcome the problem immediately as I do not know what to do. The syndicate continues to harass me and my family.”
His wife had lodged three reports over the matter and is in hiding with the children. – The Vibes, February 15, 2021
