SETAPAK: Life was very different for Ariff Peter seven years ago. He was well accomplished, still in his early twenties with a successful business, comfortable residence and drove fancy, imported cars.
However, all of that vanished in the blink of an eye when he was forced to "reside" in his car over a year ago.
Ariff Luqman Peter Lisut, 27, affectionately known as Ariff Peter, had his entire life upended after a misguided "venture" into digital currency investments that left him in debt of over RM1 million two years ago.
Ariff, a rising talent in the local music industry, was forced to sell off his cattle farming business, two houses, three cars- including an imported one- and a van in order to reimburse clients who were shortchanged in his investment scheme.
He then made the decision to live out of his Proton Wira as he didn't want the burden of renting a room. He has also been taking on various jobs like cleaning and sanitising premises and homes, as well as writing lyrics.
Additionally, he accepted offers of creating business posters, copywriting and various video content, along with delivery services.
Sharing his story, Ariff said that his mistake was trusting the investment too much, using it as a "spokesperson" to attract the public to invest, claiming that he was already successful in business.
According to him, his intention was to help the public but he didn't expect that all those involved in the investment would disappear, with clients requesting their money back after feeling deceived.
"I want to continue living comfortably and safely, so I took the responsibility to pay back my clients' money by selling all my assets, except for this Proton Wira that I use for work and sleep.
"Even though I sold off all my assets, it wasn't enough to cover the debt, so I took on various jobs to pay off the remaining amount. That's why I don't rent a house or a room because my (financial) burden is too heavy," he said.
He mentioned that he still has a remaining debt of RM100,000 and continues to work multiple side jobs to settle the balance, even though he has been employed with a decent monthly salary for a month now.
Starting his business at the age of 20, he now lives alone but stays in touch with his father, since his mother passed away eight years ago from breast cancer.
"My life was much better before. I had a cattle farming business and cleaning business with several employees, but now everything has changed, and I live out of my car, showering at gas station restrooms.
"The first three months were tough to adapt, but now, I'm used to it and comfortable as long as I can sleep and be sheltered from the rain and sun. I sleep anywhere, and since I got a permanent job a month ago, I sleep in the office from Monday to Friday and work on side jobs at night, while on weekends, I work on music at a friend's studio.
"I'll do any job as long as it provides lawful income. About 90 per cent of my salary and earnings from side jobs are used to pay off the debt," he said, singing the theme song of the movie "Coast Guard, Yes Sir" with Zamani and having participated in the talent show "Mentor."
Still single, he admitted that the current situation is exhausting, but he sees it as the price to pay for past mistakes and values it as a lesson.
"I went through a difficult phase when a few who were there during good times suddenly disappeared and didn't answer phone calls.
"For now, I choose to temporarily live in my car, and when all the debt is settled, then I'll think about finding a place to rent," he said.
Regarding sharing his story on TikTok, Ariff emphasised that it's not for sympathy or seeking donations but for making use of social media accounts to find job opportunities.
He mentioned that he has never felt ashamed of his current life but he would be embarrassed to ask for help because he's still capable of working.
Starting his business at the age of 20, he now lives alone but stays in touch with his father, while his mother passed away eight years ago from breast cancer.
"My life was much better before. I had a cattle farming business and cleaning business with several employees, but now everything has changed, and I live out of my car, showering at gas station restrooms.
"The first three months were tough to adapt, but now, I'm used to it and comfortable as long as I can sleep and be sheltered from the rain and sun. I sleep anywhere, and since I got a permanent job a month ago, I sleep in the office from Monday to Friday and work on side jobs at night, while on weekends, I work on music at a friend's studio.
"I'll do any job as long as it provides lawful income. About 90 per cent of my salary and earnings from side jobs are used to pay off the debt," he said, singing the theme song of the movie "Coast Guard, Yes Sir" with Zamani and having participated in the talent show "Mentor."
Still single, he admitted that the current situation is exhausting, but he sees it as the price to pay for past mistakes and values it as a lesson.
"I went through a difficult phase when a few who were there during good times suddenly disappeared and didn't answer phone calls.
"For now, I choose to temporarily live in my car, and when all the debt is settled, then I'll think about finding a place to rent," he said.
Regarding sharing his story on TikTok, Ariff emphasised that it's not for sympathy or seeking donations but for making use of social media accounts to find job opportunities.
He mentioned that he has never felt ashamed of his current life but he would be embarrassed to ask for help because he's still capable of working.
"My goal is to advertise my services and hope that netizens give me a chance by availing the services I offer.
"I work, not ask for donations, and since going viral on TikTok, I've received many job offers and I am confident that I'll be able to settle the remaining debt in the near future," he said.