BIG-TIME entrepreneurs have also become victims of loan sharks, with a “Datuk” who was once involved in the film industry ending up in debt of up to RM24mil after borrowing from 64 illegal lenders, reported Harian Metro.

More painful for Hafis, as he wished to be known, was a threat by the Ah Long to abduct and harm his youngest child, aged two.

The victim, in his 50s, has been lying in hospital for more than a month after suffering a heart attack due to the constant harassment from the loan sharks.

Hafis, who claimed he once had 600 workers under him, said the principal sum he borrowed from the 64 loan sharks was RM12mil but the amount has since doubled because of the interests.

“I have had to let all my workers go. I have no assets now except a mountain of debt,” he said, explaining that he had borrowed from the Ah Long because he was desperate for funds after being blacklisted by the banks.

“At first, I borrowed RM100,000 from a guy named Alex and then I took a loan of RM130,000 from another person.

“I thought I could quickly settle both loans. But the amount kept increasing although I paid more than the initial sums borrowed,” he said.

He ended up having to borrow from other Ah Long as well.

“I have to pay RM1mil in interest and for the principal loan each week,” he said, adding that the amount has not reduced.

Hafis has brought his problem to the Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association, which has agreed to arrange a meeting between the victim and the loan sharks to find an amicable solution to the matter.