Female debtors being forced into prostitution to pay off debts, says association

New Straits Times

4 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Female debtors of loan shark are being forced into prostitution and other criminal activities to pay off their debts, the Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (PPIM) said.
Its executive secretary, Zharif Johor, said the association has received complaints from victims who were pressured into sacrificing their dignity due to threats and mounting pressure.
"Victims are being forced into prostitution as the amount owed to loan sharks keep escalating due to exorbitant interest rates.
"The victims remain trapped in the cycle of debt with no way out.
"They are threatened and traumatised," Zharif said in a statement, adding more and more women are falling victims to loan sharks.
He urged the public to avoid getting involved in any form of debt, especially with loan sharks.
Zharif highlighted a case of a woman in her 20s who was persuaded by her boyfriend to borrow money from a loan shark, allegedly for a business venture.
However, when the boyfriend received the money, he fled, leaving his girlfriend with the burden of settling the RM20,000 loan.
The woman held two jobs but eventually turned to prostitution when she could not earn enough to settle the loan.
"My boyfriend fed me with empty promises. He disappeared after getting the money, leaving me to shoulder the entire debt.
"I worked as a sales assistant in the day and at night, I became a hostess at an entertainment centre. Even then, the money was still not enough," she said.
She then turned to online "sponsors", allegedly offering dinner companionship but in reality, was prostitution.
"I was paid between RM800 and RM1,000 for one night.
"Out of desperation, I just let it happen," she said.
Zharif urged the public not to get themselves trapped in debt, especially involving loan sharks.
"It is extremely difficult to get out of this web," he added.