KUCHING: Police here have intensified their crackdown on illegal moneylending activities through a special operation codenamed “Op Vulture”, targeting unlicensed loan advertisements across the city.
Kuching District Police Chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the operation, carried out on September 30, involved the Commercial Crime Investigation Division of the Kuching District Police Headquarters. A total of two senior officers and 39 personnel were deployed for the operation.
“During this exercise, a total of 757 banners advertising unlicensed moneylending services were removed from traffic signposts, lamp posts, and other public areas,” he said in a statement.
The banners were found plastered in several locations, including Gita, Santubong, Tabuan Jaya, Bintawa, Sentral, Padungan, Sekama, Sungai Maong, and Satok.
According to ACP Alexson, the initiative was taken following numerous public complaints about illegal loan advertisements, which are often linked to various financial scams.
“These unlicensed moneylending activities frequently lead to commercial crime cases such as non-existent loan scams and the extortion of borrowers. Our action is part of continuous efforts to curb such activities in Kuching,” he stressed.
He also reminded the public that under the Moneylenders Act 1951 (Act 400), operating without a valid license is a serious offence.
“Members of the community are advised not to fall prey to suspicious loan advertisements. Those who come across such banners or receive dubious loan offers should report directly to the police. For further checks, the public can verify doubtful bank accounts or phone numbers using the Semak Mule portal,” he said.
The police urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate by reporting illegal moneylending activities to help ensure a safer financial environment in Kuching.