JOHOR BARU: Seventeen individuals, including three foreigners, have been apprehended by the police for their involvement in illegal moneylending activities. Johor police chief Comm M. Kumar disclosed that the suspects, ranging from 18 to 65 years old, were captured during a series of raids carried out across the state on March 5 and 6.
During the raids, a total of 14 locals, as well as two foreign women and a foreign man, were arrested. Additionally, law enforcement officials seized five vehicles, 26 mobile phones, 25 bank cards, copies of 40 Mykads belonging to borrowers, nine loan agreements, and six record books. Moreover, 14 passports, RM48,366 in cash, and nine cheques were discovered.
The authorities clarified that the case is currently under investigation under Section 5(2) of the Moneylenders Act 1951. If convicted, the offenders may face a fine ranging from RM250,000 to RM1 million, a maximum prison sentence of five years, or both penalties.
Comm M. Kumar emphasized the importance of refraining from seeking financial assistance from illicit sources and urged the public to only seek loans from legitimate financial institutions. Individuals are advised to verify the status of a moneylender offering a loan by consulting with relevant authorities such as Bank Negara Malaysia.
