A man living in Johor was shocked to find his home being ‘decorated’ with red paint due to some unsettled loans.
To his dismay, it later turned out that his cousin had used his home address to borrow money from loan sharks behind his back, thus dragging his innocent family into the mess.
M’sian man’s house splashed with red paint
Speaking to reporters, the man named Nidiyanathan (transliteration), said he lives in Johor with his mother, wife, and 18-month-old child in Taman Pulai Jaya.
When he returned home during the Haji holidays on June 5, he saw that his house had been vandalised with red paint.
A note was left behind as well, but the name and personal details listed on the note was his cousin’s, while the house address belonged to Nidiyanathan.
“When I called the Singaporean number written on the note to clarify and clear up any misunderstanding, the loan shark ignored me and instead threatened that the notes was a ‘final warning’ before they follow it up with arson.
“I immediately lodged a report at the Iskandar Puteri police station and reported the matter to Singaporean police the following Monday.
“I also contacted my cousin urging him to face the music and assist in police investigations but I received no response,” he said.
Nidiyanathan added that while he’s unsure how much money his cousin owes, he said a loan shark demanded that he cough up RM7,000.
“I haven’t met him since the Covid-19 pandemic, but according to friends, he works in Singapore like I do and lives in Bukit Indah with his family.
“My wife even called his wife to inquire. I believe she knows about the debt, but she claimed my cousin doesn’t owe anyone money,” he said.
Had same experience 2 years ago
This incident was déjà vu all over for Nidiyanathan, who revealed that he suffered a similar fate in 2023, where his car and house was splashed with red paint.
Unsurprisingly, his cousin was to blame for the situation and paid Nidiyanathan S$500 (approx. RM1,655) when he was informed about it.
“Neighbors thought I was the one in debt and gathered around to check what was going on.
Who would’ve thought two years later, the loan sharks would return? I’m really worried about my family’s safety. I don’t even let my child play near the gate anymore,” he lamented.
Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary of Johor DAP, Ng Siam Luang, who was also present, urged the public to be cautious and avoid falling for ‘quick loan’ ads. She also called on loan sharks to stop harassing innocent family members.
“If anyone is facing financial trouble, they should approach licensed financial institutions or speak with their families,” she added.
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