Know Your Rights
Learn to recognise the warning signs of illegal moneylending and protect yourself and your family.
Know Your Rights
Illegal moneylending (ceti haram) refers to the practice of lending money without a valid licence from the Registrar of Moneylenders under the Moneylenders Act 1951. These lenders operate outside the law and often employ harassment, threats, and vandalism to collect repayments.
In Malaysia, any individual or company offering loans must be licensed. You can verify a licensed moneylender through the Kementerian Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan (KPKT) database.
Your Rights
You have the right to report without fear. Authorities cannot penalise you for being a victim.
Legal Protection
The Moneylenders Act 1951 protects borrowers from excessive interest rates and illegal collection practices.
Support Available
BANTERAS provides free assistance, case monitoring, and referrals to legal aid for victims.
Warning Signs
Be alert to these common red flags of illegal moneylenders:
No written contract or loan agreement provided
Interest rates are unclear, unusually high, or change without notice
Demands for your MyKad, ATM card, or online banking credentials
Operates only via WhatsApp or Telegram — no registered office address
Charges "processing fees" or "insurance fees" before releasing the loan
Threatens you, your family, or employer if repayment is delayed
Uses red paint, graffiti, or vandalism to harass borrowers
Advertises with "no credit check" or "guaranteed approval instantly"
Pressures you to decide quickly without reading terms
Asks you to transfer repayments to personal bank accounts
Protect Yourself
Verify the Lender
Check the KPKT licensed moneylender list before borrowing. A legal lender will have a licence number, physical address, and a registered name.
Read Every Clause
Never sign a blank form. Ensure the contract clearly states the exact interest rate, repayment schedule, and penalty terms before signing.
Never Share Credentials
Do not hand over your ATM card, online banking login, or MyKad to any lender — legal or otherwise. No legitimate lender needs these.
Document Everything
Screenshot all WhatsApp messages, save receipts, and note dates of all transactions. Evidence is critical if you need to file a report.
Seek Help Early
Contact BANTERAS or AKPK (Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit) before debt spirals out of control. Early intervention is always more effective.
Report Immediately
If threatened or harassed, report to PDRM (999) and BANTERAS simultaneously. Never pay additional fees under threat or intimidation.
FAQ
Yes. BANTERAS treats all complaints with strict confidentiality. You may also choose to submit anonymously. Your identity will never be shared without your explicit written consent.
Absolutely. Even if you have already repaid the loan, reporting helps us track active illegal lenders and prevent others from becoming victims.
You will receive a unique reference number. Our team will review your case within 48 hours. You can track your case status at any time using your reference number.
No. Victims of illegal moneylending are protected under Malaysian law. Reporting is encouraged and you will not face legal consequences for coming forward.
Call PDRM immediately (999) and update your BANTERAS case. Do not make any payments under duress. Document any new threats with screenshots, recordings, or photos.
BANTERAS operates under Panji Malaysia, an NGO. We collaborate closely with PDRM, KPKT, and other relevant authorities but are not a government body.
Speak Up. We're Here.
If you or someone you know is a victim of illegal moneylending, take action now. Your report could protect hundreds of others.