Pandemic Gives Loan Sharks More Prey

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Business partners “Noradhiah” and “Shahirah,” who asked that their real names and the type of small business they own not be disclosed, sit nervously, fidgeting in their chairs, as the phone call gets underway.

They listen and watch as a case manager for the Muslim Consumer Association Malaysia talks with a loan shark’s henchman. Sorry, but your browser cannot support embedded video of this type, you can download this video to view it offline. The case manager tells the henchman that they’re going to negotiate a deal that will bring a close to all business between the loan shark and Noradhiah and Shahirah The henchman says they owe the equivalent of nearly $1,000.