KUCHING: Special Assistant to Chong Chieng Jen, Michael Kong urged local councils to act swiftly in removing illegal loan shark advertisements plastered on street poles, warning that such ads have become dangerous traps for unsuspecting victims.
“Recently, Ting came to seek my advice regarding a loan shark issue. He had been coerced into signing documents acknowledging a loan of RM100,000, but in reality, he only received RM60,000. To make matters worse, the loan shark demanded possession of his car as a ‘guarantee’ for repayment,” said Kong.
He said Ting had obtained the loan shark’s contact number from one of the illegal advertisements pasted on street poles, which highlights the urgent need for councils to remove such materials.
“These illegal advertisements are not harmless. They lure people into the clutches of predatory moneylenders and cause deep harm, not just financially, but also to the victims’ families, livelihoods, and peace of mind,” he added.
Kong said local councils must stop using the excuse of manpower shortage, as there are already many contractors engaged in regular maintenance, grass cutting, and drain cleaning works.
“These contractors can easily be instructed to remove the illegal advertisements as part of their duties. The councils have the authority, the manpower, and the responsibility to act what is needed now is the will to do so,” he said.
Kong stressed that authorities should not wait until more people fall prey to such syndicates before taking decisive action.