KUCHING: A 33-year-old housewife fears for her family’s safety after unidentified men allegedly turned up twice at her parents’ house demanding repayment of her estranged husband’s alleged RM192,000 debt.
The woman, identified as Shirley, said the incidents occurred on July 8 and 9 at her parents’ house, where she now lives with her parents and her nine-year-old daughter after separating from her husband two years ago.
Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Public Complaints Bureau chief, Milton Foo, said Shirley was being harassed over a debt she neither incurred nor knew anything about.
“She has no idea what the alleged debt is about. They wanted her to sell the house, the cars and everything to pay off her husband’s alleged debt.
“She is a housewife who is not working and is relying on her parents while caring for her nine-year-old daughter,” he said at a press conference today at Milton & Co. Advocates.
Foo said two cars carrying several unidentified men arrived at the house, claiming Shirley’s estranged husband owed RM192,000 in debts allegedly linked to a company.
Foo alleged the men demanded that Shirley settle the debt even though it was allegedly owed by her husband.
According to Shirley, the men initially demanded RM1,000 during the first visit.
After she told them she did not have the money, they allegedly reduced the amount to RM500, which she paid because she feared for her family’s safety.
Foo further alleged that the men threatened to continue visiting the house, and warned they could send people to remain there until the debt was fully settled.
Following the first visit, Shirley lodged a police report on July 9.
Foo said the same group allegedly returned later that day to demand payment again.
Fearing for her safety, Shirley remained inside the house and contacted the investigating officer handling the case.
Police responded to the scene, but the men had left before officers arrived.
Foo thanked the police and the investigating officer for responding promptly and taking the matter seriously.
He said anyone seeking to recover an outstanding debt should do so through lawful means, such as issuing a letter of demand or pursuing civil action through the courts.
“If there is an alleged debt, look for the rightful debtor. Issue a letter of demand or sue through the courts. Do not resort to harassment, intimidation, extortion or threats against family members who are not responsible for the debt,” he said.
Shirley also told reporters that she received a phone call from her estranged husband shortly before the first group arrived at the house on July 8.
She said her husband only informed her that people would be coming to look for her but did not explain why. She has since been unable to contact him.
According to Foo, the police have also been unable to reach the husband.
The case is under police investigation.
