From RM450 loan to extortion, Chong urges tougher action against online moneylenders

Chong (left) during a meeting with Law at his office in Kuching on May 7, 2026.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, May 8: Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and Bank Negara Malaysia must take intensive measures in cracking down and tackling rogue moneylender who hide behind the internet to commit crimes including harassment and extortion.

Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen has urged authorities and the public to be on high alert over a rising wave of online lending scams.

Chong said the case of a 23-year-old man, identified as Mr Law, highlighted how so-called “easy loans” advertised on social media can quickly spiral into serious harassment and extortion.

He warned the public not to borrow from any moneylenders advertising on Facebook, especially those operating outside legal and regulated channels.

“Law first came across a loan advertisement on Jan 29, 2026 on Facebook and clicked a link that redirected him to a website identified as https://www.gobiaya.com.my. He then borrowed RM450 from the operator behind the site.

“On Feb 12, 2026, about two weeks after receiving the loan, Law repaid RM902 via DuitNow QR to an account provided by the moneylender, believing the matter had been fully settled after paying more than double the borrowed amount,” he said in a statement on Thursday (May 7).

However, on March 11, 2026, the moneylender allegedly contacted him via WhatsApp demanding an additional RM2,484. The same demand notice, along with images of Law’s identity card, was also sent to his parents, brother and other relatives, causing distress and alarm within the family.

Law subsequently lodged a police report for reference but initially chose to ignore the demands.

The situation escalated further on April 29, 2026 when the moneylender again sent images of his identity card and his family members to multiple WhatsApp accounts using different phone numbers. This time, the demanded amount had increased to RM4,738.

“From RM450, despite payment of RM902, now the alleged ‘debt’ has become RM4,738. This is outright extortion,” Chong said, describing the conduct as abusive and psychologically damaging.
He added that the repeated harassment had caused severe anxiety and stress to Law and his family, prompting them to seek his assistance.

“Following my advice, Law lodged another police report specifically on harassment and extortion,” he said.

Chong said he had also taken immediate steps by writing to MCMC requesting urgent action to track down those responsible, as well as to suspend the relevant social media accounts, telephone numbers and bank accounts used in the scheme.

“Agencies such as the MCMC, police, and Bank Negara Malaysia must adopt a more proactive and aggressive approach to combat the misuse of online platforms and digital banking systems by illegal moneylenders,” he stressed.

Chong also urged the public to avoid borrowing from any lenders found on social media, warning that “easy loans” often lead to “easy targets” for exploitation, intimidation and scams.

He said his office would continue to push for intensified investigations and stronger enforcement action against rogue moneylenders who operate behind anonymous online platforms to carry out criminal activities. — DayakDaily