KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: Death threats and splashing red paint are typical tactics employed by loan sharks to intimidate debtors who failed to meet instalments.

Lee Chia Leng was an innocent victim of such tactics. She sought help from the MCA Public Services and Complaints Department when her house was splashed with red paint, believed to be the work of loan sharks.

"I was shocked when I received a phone call from my aunt. She was crying in fear, thinking the paint was blood," recalled Lee who was spending the night with a friend.

When she returned home, she saw a note left by her brother Lee Chong Shinn stating that he owed loan sharks a total of RM174,000 and was unable to pay the debt.

Chong Shinn, who had given his aunt's home address as his own when borrowing money, has gone missing since last month.

Chia Leng lodged a police report on Feb 29 at the Batu 9 Cheras police station.

"I hope the loan sharks will not disturb my family members as my brother is the one who should be responsible for the debt," said Chia Leng.

Wong Keng, a 79-year-old man, also sought help from the MCA Public Services and Complaints Department over his son borrowing money from loan sharks repeatedly.

"This is the third time loan sharks have splashed red paint on my house in Sungei Way," said Wong.

Wong was disappointed with his 40-year-old son and had given up hope on him ever repenting. He has lodged a police report with the Bandar Sunway police station.

Both families want to disassociate themselves from their irresponsible family members.

The head of the MCA Public Services and Complaints Department, Datuk Michael Chong, received 60 such cases in January and 24 in February.

"When borrowing money, most of the borrowers tend to give the address of their rented house or flat. They will stay for a few months and run away when they are unable to service the debt," said Chong.

"The owners are the ones suffering all kinds of damage," he added.

Chong urged the public to check the tenant's background before renting out their house or flat.

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