Cover image via Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
A 67-year-old father from Seri Kembangan is pleading for his runaway son to return home after he allegedly accumulated RM31,000 in debt from loan sharks
According to the New Straits Times, the 25-year-old has reportedly disappeared after falling into the trap of illegal moneylenders for the third time.
The father, known only as Koh, recently held a press conference at Wisma MCA, organised by MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong.
During the emotional session on 4 August, the desperate father begged his youngest child to come out of hiding.
MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong.
Image via NSTP"My son, if you see this, please come home. Whatever the problem is, we can solve it together as a family. Running away is not the answer," the father pleaded
The family reportedly lost contact with him after receiving new threats from alleged loan sharks.
The son, Koh Kuang Shyh, first sought help from the bureau in December last year to clear a RM8,000 debt from two loan sharks. Kuang Shyh had initially taken the money to repay a car loan.
By June this year, he had racked up a staggering RM31,000 in debt from 12 different loan sharks. MCA stepped in to resolve the crisis once again.
"We have not been able to contact him until today. We don't know where he is or whether he is safe. We just want him to come home," Koh added.
Chong highlighted the difficult cycle faced by those who turn to illegal moneylending.
Chong said the family was frustrated and even considered disowning their son after repeatedly helping him settle his debts
"This is the third time he has borrowed from loan sharks. We helped him settle his debts twice before, but he went back to them again.
"There is only so much we can do. If borrowers continue to rely on loan sharks, they will never break free from the cycle," Chong said.
Despite their disappointment, the family's main priority remains his safe return.
"I understand the family's frustration, but our priority now is for him to return home safely and face the problem. Running away will only make matters worse," Chong added.
