STOP AH LONG
Malaysian Platform to Combat Illegal Loan Sharks
How to Identify Ah Long (Illegal Loan Sharks)
NEVER BORROW FROM AH LONG!
Ah Long charge extreme interest rates (20-50% per month), use violence and threats, and can destroy your life and your family’s safety. There are ALWAYS better alternatives.
Red Flags – These are Ah Long, NOT Legal Lenders
Common Ah Long Interest Rates
- “Sepuloh-tiga” (10-3): 30% in 10 days = ~1.4 MILLION % annually
- “Sepuloh-lima” (10-5): 50% in 10 days = ~267 MILLION % annually
- Standard Ah Long: 20-50% PER MONTH (240-600% annually)
- Late payment: RM500 per 30 minutes delay (actual case)
For comparison: Legal limit is 18% per YEAR
Ah Long Harassment Tactics
- Splashing red paint on your house
- Writing threats on walls with paint/markers
- Setting fire to property
- Locking gates with chains
- Calling/harassing at all hours
- Threatening family members, including children
- Contacting your employer to get you fired
- Public shaming and vandalism
- Physical violence and beatings
How to Verify a Legal Moneylender
- Check iKredikom: Visit ikredikom.kpkt.gov.my – Official list of licensed moneylenders
- Look for KPKT License: Must display physical license from Ministry of Housing & Local Government (NOT Bank Negara)
- Verify SSM Number: Check company registration on KPKT website
- Check Interest Rate: Cannot exceed 18% per annum
- Proper Documentation: Must use Borang Jadual J KPKT loan agreement
Already Borrowed from Ah Long? Get Help NOW
CRITICAL: You Are NOT Legally Obligated to Pay Ah Long
Loans from unlicensed moneylenders are ILLEGAL transactions. You are not legally required to honor them. Your safety is more important than any perceived “debt.”
Step-by-Step Action Plan
STOP ALL PAYMENTS IMMEDIATELY
Do NOT continue paying. This only exposes you to more intimidation and the debt will never end due to compounding interest and arbitrary fees.
PRIORITIZE YOUR SAFETY
If you’re being threatened with violence, CALL POLICE (999) immediately. If they vandalize your property, take photos as evidence.
PRESERVE ALL EVIDENCE
- Screenshots of messages (WhatsApp, SMS, calls)
- Photos of vandalism, red paint, threats
- Voice recordings of threatening calls
- Any loan documents or receipts
- Bank transfer records if you paid them
REPORT TO POLICE
Go to nearest police station or call:
- Emergency: 999
- PDRM Control Center: 03-2266 3333 / 03-2031 9999
- Online Report: ereporting.rmp.gov.my
REPORT TO REGULATORY AUTHORITIES
Bahagian Kawalan Kredit Komuniti (BKKK): Government body that regulates moneylenders and can take enforcement action. Contact Ministry of Housing & Local Government.
GET FREE FINANCIAL COUNSELING
Contact AKPK (Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit) for free debt management help: 1-800-88-2575
Free Support Organizations
AKPK (Credit Counseling)
Hotline: 1-800-88-2575 (toll-free)
Website: www.akpk.org.my
Services: Free debt management, financial counseling, restructuring
BKKK (Moneylender Regulation)
Ministry: Housing & Local Government (KPKT)
Check Licenses: ikredikom.kpkt.gov.my
Services: Verify lenders, report illegal activity, enforcement
Muslim Consumer Association (PPIM)
Services: Victim support, advocacy, case assistance
Handling ~25 new loan shark cases daily
Can provide guidance and support
MCA Public Services
Services: Free legal advice, complaint handling
Can assist with loan shark harassment cases
Public advocacy and support
“They threatened to burn my house, expose my details to the public, kill me or my husband, and the worst threat was to rape my one-year-old daughter. I was terrified. But after reporting to police and getting help from AKPK, the harassment stopped. I’m now on a proper debt repayment plan with legitimate lenders.”
– Afiza, Ah Long Victim (The Sun, 2022)
Your Rights as a Victim
- You are protected under the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010
- Police MUST investigate harassment and threats (criminal offenses)
- Illegal loans are not enforceable contracts – you don’t owe them legally
- You can report anonymously, but providing contact helps investigation
- Ah Long can face RM250,000-RM1 million fine + 5 years jail (Moneylenders Act 1951)
Report Ah Long Activity
Community Protection: Report to Protect Others
Every report helps police dismantle these criminal syndicates. In 2023 alone, 1,185 loan shark cases were investigated, leading to nearly 900 arrests. Your report matters.
How to Report Ah Long
Police (PDRM)
Emergency Line: 999
PDRM Hotline: 03-2266 3333 / 03-2031 9999
Online Report: ereporting.rmp.gov.my
What to Report: Harassment, threats, vandalism, violence, illegal lending activity
BKKK (Credit Community Control Division)
Ministry: Housing & Local Government
Report: Unlicensed moneylending operations
Check Licenses: ikredikom.kpkt.gov.my
What to Report: Illegal advertisements, unlicensed operations, violations by licensed lenders
Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID)
Bukit Aman CCID: Specialized unit for financial crimes
Contact through: PDRM hotline or local police stations
What to Report: Large-scale operations, syndicates, criminal networks
Information to Provide When Reporting
Removing Ah Long Advertisements
Ah Long vandalize public property with ads on:
- Lamp posts and utility boxes
- Traffic signals and road signs
- Public walls and buildings
Report to: Local Council (PBT) and Police. Take photos before they’re removed for evidence.
Protection for Whistleblowers
Under the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010:
- You are protected from civil/criminal liability for reporting
- Your identity can be kept confidential if requested
- You cannot be dismissed, demoted, or harassed for reporting
- Protection extends to family members as well
Legal & Safe Lending Alternatives
Why People Turn to Ah Long (And What to Do Instead)
Common reasons:
- Don’t meet bank loan criteria (poor credit, no collateral)
- Need immediate emergency funds
- Bank documentation process takes too long
- Don’t know about legal alternatives
Solution: There ARE legal, affordable alternatives. Explore the options below.
Government & Official Programs
1. TEKUN Nasional (Micro-Credit)
Target: Small businesses, entrepreneurs, traders
Loan Amount: RM1,000 – RM100,000
Interest: 4% per annum (VERY LOW)
Website: www.tekun.gov.my
Best For: Small business owners, market stall holders, hawkers
2. Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) – Micro Financing
Target: Low-income individuals
Loan Amount: RM50 – RM20,000
Interest: Competitive rates
Website: www.mybsn.com.my
Best For: Personal needs, education, emergencies
3. Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM)
Target: Poor households, micro-entrepreneurs
Loan Amount: RM1,000 – RM50,000
Structure: Shariah-compliant microfinancing
Website: www.aim.gov.my
Best For: Income-generating activities, small businesses
4. Koperasi (Credit Cooperatives)
Target: Members of cooperatives
Loan Amount: Varies by cooperative
Interest: Lower than commercial rates
Find: Check with your employer, union, or community cooperative
Best For: Members needing affordable credit
Licensed Private Lenders
5. Licensed Moneylenders (Credit Community)
VERIFY FIRST: Check ikredikom.kpkt.gov.my
Maximum Interest: 18% per annum (LEGAL LIMIT)
Regulated by: Ministry of Housing & Local Government
Requirements: Must display KPKT license, use proper forms
Best For: Those who can’t get bank loans but need quick access
Emergency Assistance
Welfare Department (JKM)
Services: Emergency aid, Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia
For: Low-income families, emergencies
Find: Local JKM office
Zakat / Religious Institutions
Services: Interest-free loans, grants
For: Muslim community members
Contact: State Islamic Council
Debt Management Help
AKPK (Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit)
Hotline: 1-800-88-2575 (FREE)
Website: www.akpk.org.my
Services:
- Free financial counseling and education
- Debt Management Program (DMP) – restructure debts
- Negotiate with creditors on your behalf
- Create affordable repayment plans
- Prevent bankruptcy
100% FREE service by Bank Negara Malaysia
Before Taking ANY Loan
- Ask yourself: Do I really need this loan?
- Explore free government assistance first (JKM, Zakat)
- Calculate if you can actually afford repayments
- ALWAYS verify license on iKredikom if not using bank
- Read ALL terms before signing
- Ensure interest doesn’t exceed 18% per annum
- Get free advice from AKPK first
Ah Long Crisis in Malaysia
1,185
Cases Investigated (2023)
900+
Arrests (Jan-Aug 2023)
260
Cases (Jan-Apr 2024)
25/day
New Victims Seeking Help
RM5.92M
Total Loans (2023)
20-50%
Monthly Interest Rate
30%
Increase During Pandemic
The Reality of Ah Long in Malaysia
Why It’s Getting Worse
- Pandemic Impact: 30% increase in loan shark victims during COVID-19
- Economic Hardship: Rising cost of living, job losses, financial stress
- Easy Access: Ah Long now advertise openly on social media (Facebook, WhatsApp, WeChat)
- Desperate Borrowers: Can’t meet bank criteria, need immediate funds
- Digital Operations: Easier to reach victims, harder to track perpetrators
Who Falls Victim?
- Low-income families: Unable to get bank loans, facing emergencies
- Gamblers: Targeted by Ah Long, especially during football season
- Small business owners: Need quick cash for operations
- Medical emergencies: Parents with sick children needing surgery
- Desperate workers: Facing eviction, can’t wait for bank approval
NOT ALL victims are gamblers – many are hardworking people in desperate situations
Tragic Consequences
Documented cases include:
- Multiple suicides due to inability to repay
- Families losing homes to vandalism and threats
- Children threatened with violence or sexual assault
- Victims forced to take additional loans to pay off first loan
- Properties illegally seized through fake S&P agreements
- Entire families harassed, including neighbors
Legal Penalties for Ah Long
Moneylenders Act 1951 (Amended 2011):
- Operating without license: RM250,000 – RM1,000,000 fine + up to 5 years jail
- Using agents/collectors: Illegal, additional penalties
- Harassment/violence: Criminal charges under Penal Code
- Vandalism: Additional criminal offenses
Despite harsh penalties, enforcement remains challenging due to underground operations
Recent High-Profile Cases
Lawyer Struck Off for Helping Ah Long (2025)
A lawyer was disbarred by the Bar Council for drawing up hundreds of fake Sale & Purchase agreements for loan sharks, forcing borrowers to sign over property as collateral. Even bought a sports car with the proceeds.
RM500 Per 30 Minutes Delay (Recent)
Insurance agent borrowed RM3,000, repaid in full, but Ah Long demanded RM1,500 MORE for “late payment” at RM500 per 30-minute delay. Threatened injury to borrower and family.
Mother’s Nightmare (2022)
“They threatened to burn my house, expose my details, kill me or my husband, and rape my one-year-old daughter.” – Afiza, who borrowed RM10,000 (The Sun)
What Authorities Are Doing
- PDRM: Specialized units infiltrating syndicates, intelligence gathering
- BKKK/KPKT: Regulatory enforcement, license verification system
- Local Councils: Removing illegal advertisements from public property
- AKPK: Free financial education to prevent people from turning to Ah Long
- NGOs: Victim support, advocacy, raising awareness
BUT: Police can only act when cases are reported. Most cases go unreported.
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