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A 49-YEAR-OLD woman has lost her family’s petrol station and is now burdened with RM234,000 in debt after what began as a RM25,000 loan spiralled out of control within little more than a year.
Siti, who inherited the petrol station in Negeri Sembilan from her late father after operating it since 2014, said mounting pressure from illegal moneylenders forced her to sell the business to settle the debt.
She told a press conference at the office of the Malaysian International Humanitarian Organisation (MHO) that she had been contacted in October 2024 by an individual representing a non-governmental organisation offering to negotiate with the loan sharks and arrange a deferment of payments.
“I sold the only business registered under my name to pay RM234,000 to the NGO with the promise that everything would be resolved within a month.
“I transferred the money into the NGO’s account in stages from November until August 2025 because I just wanted this problem settled and for my family to stop being harassed,” she said.
However, more than a year later, she claims the harassment has continued. Her son has allegedly received threatening messages, and her mother’s house was splashed with paint in January.
“I thought the debt had been settled because the money had been paid to the intermediary (NGO). When the harassment continued, I demanded an explanation.
“When I pressed for proof, various excuses were given, including claims that the NGO’s account had been frozen, but no evidence was shown,” she said.
Subsequent checks, she alleged, revealed that only part of the RM234,000 had been channelled to the loan sharks, with a substantial balance unaccounted for.
Siti, who has two sons aged 27 and 29, admitted her own mistakes and apologised to her family, saying the financial strain had damaged their relationships. She said the ordeal had not only cost her the family business but had also strained ties with relatives.
“I just want this matter resolved properly. If the money is returned or proven to have been fully paid, I am prepared to reconsider withdrawing the police report.
“But if not, I urge the authorities to investigate because I believe I may not be the only victim,” she said.
MHO secretary-general Datuk Hishamuddin Hashim said the organisation took up Siti’s complaint after harassment persisted despite the substantial payment. He warned that settling debts with unlicensed moneylenders through intermediaries was not a solution and only perpetuated illegal activities.
“If it is true that part of the money was not channelled to the creditors as alleged, this could amount to criminal breach of trust or misappropriation of funds.
“We call on the police to conduct a thorough investigation, including verifying where the RM234,000 was actually channelled,” he said.
He also cautioned the public against trusting parties that offer consultancy services to deal with loan sharks, urging victims instead to seek proper legal channels.
“Pressure and stigma from family members only worsen the situation to the point where some victims act beyond expectation, when in fact moral support is crucial to rebuilding their lives,” he added. - March 3, 2026