A young man’s story has caught the attention of many after it was reported that he was left with only RM0.70 in his e-wallet after falling into debt.
The man, who hails from Kuching, came to West Malaysia at the age of 19 to work and build a better future for himself. However, things did not go as planned.
Owed loan sharks RM14,500
He reportedly first worked at a music academy in Johor Bahru before later moving to the Klang Valley, where he took up a telemarketing job.
He later wanted to start his own business in the F&B industry and allegedly borrowed RM5,000 from loan sharks as startup capital.
However, his business plan did not work out as expected. With rent, living expenses, and daily costs piling up, he was said to have continued borrowing money to cover previous debts.
This eventually led him into a cycle of debt, where he reportedly owed eight loan sharks a total of RM14,500.
Left with only 70 sen
The man reportedly sought help from Selangor DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) chief Lee Boon Pin, who also paid for his e-hailing ride from Bukit Jalil to Bandar Mahkota Cheras.
At the time, he was said to have no cash on him, while his e-wallet balance only had RM0.70 left.
He also claimed that he could not afford rent or proper meals, and had gone three days relying on condensed milk mixed with water to fill his stomach.
In a video shared online, he was seen opening up about his situation, saying that he had not eaten for three days and was trying to look for work.
Tried to sell fridge for cash
The man also revealed that he had previously won a fridge from a lucky draw and hoped to sell it off to raise some money for his daily expenses.
After learning about his situation, Lee brought him for a meal and also bought him some groceries, including dry food and milk, so that he would not continue going hungry.
Lee also advised him to focus on finding a stable job first before thinking about starting a business again.
He reminded the young man that although having dreams was not wrong, he should first settle his basic needs, slowly repay his debts, and rebuild his life step by step.
Has since found a job
In a Facebook update on June 9, Lee shared that he had successfully found a new job and was expected to start work within the next few days.
The fridge he wanted to sell had also been bought by someone.
Lee added that his case should serve as a reminder for the public not to borrow money from illegal moneylenders, no matter how desperate the situation may seem.
