In the last decade, these loan sharks have become more aggressive in putting up posters and banners advertising their services, even if it means it may damage property (both private and public) and is totally disrespectful of the authorities in urban and rural areas alike.
Although local council enforcement agencies are responsible for taking down illegal stickers, posters, banners and buntings, they are not to be solely blamed if they are not quick enough in doing so. Loan sharks put up new advertising materials as quickly as they are taken down by the authorities. Some councils have even set up special teams, specifically assigned to remove these illegal advertisements.
The impact on society is negative for the following reasons. Firstly, the public is fully aware that loan shark operations are organised and managed by undesirable elements and those who are obviously willing to violate the law. Secondly, loan sharks through their bold tactics in advertising their illegal businesses obviously have zero respect for law enforcement, especially the police.
Thirdly, these illegal advertisements indicate that such elements who daringly flaunt the law are in charge of the streets, not the police. Fourthly, public perception of the police in recent years has been negative despite the significant decline in crime rate index. These illegal advertisements are an important contributing factor to this negative perception. Many feel that the police should be striking hard against loan sharks, not giving the excuse that local councils are responsible for removing illegal advertisements.
In various crime forums, the police have attempted to explain that it is difficult to trace the mobile numbers listed on posters and banners. This complicates efforts to arrest and charge the culprits for operating illegal money lending services. But the public refuses to accept this lame excuse. The police are able to trace terrorists, hardcore criminals and other undesirable elements through phone numbers; surely it should not be a problem to trace loan sharks. Another way to apprehend these offenders is by utilising agent provocateurs.
Lastly, loan sharks are responsible for many crimes committed against borrowers who are unable to repay their loans due to the exorbitant interest rates imposed when payment is a little late. They instil fear with their aggressive tactics and openly harass family members and friends of borrowers without worrying about the police.
The negative public perception of the police and the fear of crime can be changed or improved, but the willingness to do so must come from the police themselves. The top management cannot brush aside the views of the public on these pressing matters which shape public perception.
Malaysia is not a war-torn country due to civil conflict or unrest, that loan syndicates can so easily flourish. Malaysia’s streets cannot be dominated by illegal loan shark advertisements.
Rural communities are in the same boat as well. The police must proactively, strategically and diligently address this issue. They must, without fail, be able to detect, apprehend and prosecute those involved in this illegal business. The streets must be returned to the people as clean and safe.
Loan shark advertisements should be replaced with banners and posters providing information on crime prevention and other safety issues. The police must fulfil the pledge they took to protect and serve society. The public is depending on them to eradicate Ah Longs, for good, if possible.
P Sundramoorthy is part of the research team on crime and policing at the School of Social Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.