This page simply reformats the Flickr public Atom feed for purposes of finding inspiration through random exploration. These images are not being copied or stored in any way by this website, nor are any links to them or any metadata about them. All images are © their owners unless otherwise specified.
This site is a busybee project and is supported by the generosity of viewers like you.
McMoney - We Always Say Yes. Poke Loans. The "ah longs" (loan sharks) of Malaysia do follow trends closely to ensure that they attract borrowers
Some random shot of loanshark stickers
Captured this during group outing at Selayang fishmarket (Pasar Borong Selayang) organized by Chot Touch.
Ah Long (derived from the Cantonese phrase '大耳窿' (Jyutping: daai6 ji5 lung1) is a term for illegal loan sharks in Malaysia and Singapore. They lend money to people who are unable to obtain loans from banks or other legal sources, mostly targeting habitual gamblers. They charge a very high interest rate (about 40% per month/fortnight which equals 1422%/33087% per annum due to the constantly compounding interest.)[citation needed] and frequently threaten violence (and administer it) towards those who fail to pay in time.
Many years ago, prior to the registration of mobile phone numbers in Malaysia, Ah Longs advertised their services merely by distributing their calling cards.
Red paint
When a person fails to pay in time, the Ah Long will spray, splash, or write in red paint on the walls of the house or property of that person as a threat of violence and to shame the borrower into repaying the loan. According to local police authorities, there have been cases where borrowers were beaten or had their property damaged or destroyed, and some victims have committed suicide.
Pig head
Pig heads are sometimes hung outside the borrower's house, as a form of intimidation as well as a way of 'marking' the person as a loan 'defaulter'.
O $ P $
These characters are sometimes painted outside the borrower's property, to mark him up as a 'defaulter'. They mean "Owe Money Pay Money", a basic translation into English of a Chinese expression.
Stolen items
Nowadays, instead of waiting for the victim to pay up, Ah Longs now tend to break into victim's houses and steal items worth the loan. This method is commonly used to save time and also effort.[citation needed]
Identity banner display
Recent cases shows that Ah Longs also displays the borrower's identity card on a huge banner and post it on fences. Since Ah Longs need only an identity card from borrowers, this tactic is becoming common because the borrower will feel humiliated due to public attention and will quickly pay up.
