extracted from ST forum.
Impose harsher punishments on loan sharks
I refer to the article, 'Pregnant woman loses baby after loan shark
accosts her' (ST, Dec 7). Something must be done to stop loan
sharks from harassing both their debtors and the innocent. Loan
sharks, gangsters and kidnappers share a common trait. They are
made up of groups coming together for criminal activities that have
a negative impact on others.
While gangsters and kidnappers face severe punishment when they are
caught, loan sharks get off more lightly.
News of loan sharks causing distress to new owners of resale HDB
flats are not uncommon, but this is the first time an innocent
owner has had to pay with the life of an unborn child.
This can be a disturbing thought, especially when in most cases,
nothing can be done by the police even after reports are made. With
the setting up of integrated resorts, the loan-shark problem may
become worse as more channels of gambling become available.
As a concerned member of the public and potential flat buyer, I
urge the Government to review recent changes to the Moneylenders
Act. Nothing less than detention without trial or the death penalty
would be effective as a deterrent against illegal
moneylending.
Chee Chin Young
