My Longkang

As relatives mourned for the three boys who died by poisoning, the whole nation is gripped by the loan shark issue. What drives sane men to borrow from the loan sharks. It is impossible they have no awareness of the consequences of their actions.

For the loan sharks, money lending is a business venture. They are loan sharks primarily for one purpose, to earn profits. They have to pay debt-collectors, incur interest payments ( if invested elsewhere this money would also generate interest payments ) and bear the burden of unsettled debts. They have their reputations to upkeep too: if it were known they were soft, all their other debtors would stop paying too! To expect any sympathy from this quarter is wishful thinking.

Given this amount of publicity, it is hoped that debtors and future debtors to the alongs think twice before gambling. Think of the family and loved ones. Do not borrow money. People should think carefully before seeking loans from these loan sharks. If short of money, loan sharks are never a viable option!

In the meantime, Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting said he would raise this latest incident at the next Cabinet meeting. He has directed his ministry officers to meet up with the police and the MCA Public Service and Complaints Department to see how best to curb this menace.

The whole nation awaits the form of affirmative action by the cabinet to address this vital issue.

The couple, Seah and Kau, who are at the centre of the controversy are being investigated for the murders. Police have identified several loan sharks who have had dealings with the family and efforts are being made to bring them in for questioning.