KUALA LUMPUR: The police officer from Menglembu, in Ipoh, Perak, who lashed out at loan sharks and threatened them in a 41-second video, which went viral on social media yesterday, has received backing from MCA’s Datuk Seri Michael Chong.
Chong said as the Public Services and Complaints Bureau chief, he felt the same way about loan sharks who bully victims and their family.
“I understand the police officer’s anger. The loan sharks are too much. They have been bullying the borrowers and their family members, who are innocent people. Go chase the borrowers and not their families,” Chong said.
He said some of the borrowers were not victims but con men as they would run away if they were unable to pay their debts and leave their family to suffer under the threat of the loan sharks.
“The police officer in the video spoke with emotion and I feel the same. He might have used some unethical words but it showed how hurt he was when people came to him to complain about being threatened by the loan sharks,” he said in a press conference at Wisma MCA here today.
Chong expressed his support for the police officer, saying that he was brave to stand against the loan sharks.
“Menglembu police station chief ASP Chen Ah Kooy, you are not alone. You spoke from the heart and the police force is with you and we will stand for you,” he said.
He said he had spoken to Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar yesterday regarding the matter.
“I expressed my concerns about the issue and he told me that he would not hesitate to take action against loan sharks who have been threatening victims.”
Chong said 214 complaints have been received involving debts amounting to more than RM23 million between January and May this year.
He urged the public not to take up loans from loan sharks as it may destroy them.
On Sunday, Chen, dressed in his uniform and sunglasses, in a video had berated illegal moneylenders and threatened to kill them if they came into his area and continued with their activities.
“If 10 loan sharks come into my area I will kill all 10 of you. If you are not happy, call your lawyers to see me. Do not disturb my area,” Chen said.
The video also featured an unknown man holding a banner, advertising illegal money lending services.