KOTA KINABALU: The Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) here has lodged a police report against loan sharks handing out moneylending leaflets that look similar to the parking summonses issued by their enforcement.

       City Hall Mayor Datuk Noorliza Awang said they lodged a police report for further investigation under the Money Lenders Act 1951.

       They also sought the assistance of telecommunication companies to trace the people whose phone numbers were listed on the advertising leaflets.

       "We will take stern action against irresponsible companies and individuals displaying moneylender advertisements resembling DBKK compound summonses, as it also confuses the public," she said.

       She said that they have received numerous complaints about the "advertising leaflets" inserted on vehicle windows, while it was also being shared widely on social media sites.

       Noorliza also dismissed some public claims on social media that the leaflets were from city hall.

       She said the modus operandi of the company or individual moneylenders was to attract people's attention and to get them to read the contents of the pamphlets distributed.

       "The contents of the pamphlets contain loan offers with certain incentives to attract public attention. The pamphlets also did not have a (advertising) licence issued by DBKK, " she said, adding they were tracking down the company or individual behind this.

       She said action would also be taken under By-Laws (Advertisement) Kota Kinabalu City 1983.

       "If convicted, the person can be fined RM5,000 under the same by-laws," she said, adding that they would also seek to cancel the telephone numbers listed on the leaflets.

       "I call on the public to work together to inform DBKK if they see any individual who distributes

       moneylender promotional brochures in any form in any area of Kota Kinabalu," she said.

       They could call the DBKK Hotline 012-222 0220.