KUCHING: Kuching police have stepped up efforts against illegal moneylending activities through a special operation codenamed ‘Op Vulture,’ said Kuching District Police Chief, ACP Alexson Naga Chabu.
He said the operation, carried out on September 30 by the Commercial Crime Investigation Division of Kuching District Police Headquarters, involved two senior officers and 39 personnel.
A total of 757 banners advertising unlicensed moneylending services were removed from traffic signposts and lamp posts across several public areas including Gita, Santubong, Tabuan Jaya, Bintawa, Sentral, Padungan, Sekama, Sungai Maong, and Satok.
“Public complaints prompted this action, which is part of our continuous efforts to curb unlicensed moneylending activities that often lead to commercial crime cases, particularly non-existent loan scams and extortion of borrowers,” ACP Alexson said.
He reminded the public that operating without a valid license under the Moneylenders Act 1951 (Act 400) is a serious offence and urged the community not to fall prey to suspicious advertisements. Reports can be made directly to the police, while verification of doubtful bank accounts or phone numbers can be done via the Semak Mule portal.
By Connie Chieng