A father in Kuala Lumpur has publicly disowned his son due to ongoing problems stemming from the son's gambling habit and repeated harassment by loan sharks, locally known as Ah Long. The case highlights the broader issue faced by families grappling with illegal money lending and debt-related threats in Malaysia.

Datuk Seri Michael Chong, head of the MCA Public Services and Complaints Department, recounted that about a decade ago, the father, Mr. Loi, sought his assistance in dealing with his son’s mounting debts. At the time, Loi agreed to pay off the son's debts on the condition that the loan sharks would physically discipline the son by slapping him in front of Loi as a warning. Despite this, the son’s behaviour did not improve, leading to continued reliance on illegal loans.

Over the past ten years, Loi has reportedly cleared his son’s debts on more than eight separate occasions, amounting to approximately RM300,000. However, recent threats have intensified. Earlier this month, Loi received WhatsApp messages from loan sharks threatening to set his house on fire if outstanding debts were not settled.

Another parent, Ms. Yeow, also shared her struggles with her son’s debts, which have accumulated to RM183,750 from borrowing from at least 13 loan sharks. On September 25, she said, her family received menacing messages warning that her son's hands would be cut off and her house burned down should the debts remain unpaid. There were further threats to abduct other family members.

Yeow described additional tactics used by loan sharks, including hacking her phone and impersonating her voice to extract information about her and her son's whereabouts from relatives. She also noted that the gates of a property she sold six years ago had been locked by the loan sharks, indicating the extent of harassment.

Chong revealed that his department has already handled around 300 complaints related to loan sharks this year, matching the total number filed throughout 2025. Given that the year is not yet over, more cases are expected.

In response to the ongoing problem, Chong said he has instructed lawyers to examine the possibility of making borrowers legally accountable for the consequences of their actions, particularly as their borrowing imposes hardships on their families. He emphasized that while legal borrowing options are widely available, some individuals still choose illegal avenues despite understanding the risks involved.

Authorities continue to monitor and address the growing issue of loan shark harassment linked to gambling-related debts, reflecting concerns about the social and legal implications of this underground lending market.