Just recently, a 26-year-old Malaysian woman claimed she was forced into prostitution by loan sharks to pay off her father’s debt, which amounted to a whopping RM20,000.
The “heartbreaking” confession was made via a phone call during a TikTok interview by @bgtvrasmi. A police report was then made regarding the incident.
However, as gut-wrenching as it sounds, PDRM in Penang has confirmed that most of the story was made up.
In an official statement by PDRM, the police managed to locate the woman on the night of September 30 at a house in Seberang Prai, Penang, where she was found in a safe condition.
The woman then admitted to creating the story. There was no such thing as being forced into free labour and prostitution.
However, the woman admitted to borrowing money from a few money-lending companies, and she has been receiving threats from loan sharks as she has not been able to pay the debts.
Her mum, who is in her home town also received threats from loan sharks. So, why did she come up with a fake story?
“The woman just wanted to express her feelings,” PDRM said in the statement.
“Don’t believe everything you see online”
The matter is now being investigated under Section 506 of the Penal Code (for intimidating a person) and if found guilty, the perpetrator will face a jail time of 2 years. The matter is also being investigated under Section 233 of the Communication and Multimedia Act 1998. If found guilty, the person who commits the offence will be fined up to RM50,000, or face a jail time of not more than 1 year.
PDRM also urged everyone to verify the authenticity of the news before sharing it and reminded those who have received threats from loan sharks to make a report.
In the latest update by the TikTokers, they revealed that they were also called to the police station to assist in the investigation.
We hope the woman can manage to find ways to sort out her financial woes.
Also read: “I didn’t borrow money from anyone!” – M’sian Gets Her Car Wrongly Splashed With Red Paint
