A RESIDENT of Meru in Ipoh, who wished to be known only as Josh, is unhappy about banners and buntings that have been put up illegally as they are an eyesore.
“Most of the banners and buntings are put up on lamp posts, trees and public phone booths,” he said.
“Even if they are removed by the authorities, the banners are replaced the next day by the culprits. I hope the authorities can impose deterrent punishments on the offenders.”
He said he hoped that the problem could be dealt with as the state was expecting more tourists in conjunction with Visit Perak Year 2017.
“They are here to enjoy the beautiful sceneries and historical places that the state has to offer, not the unsightly view.
“I hope the authorities will address the illegal advertisement issue immediately.”
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State Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) Chief Superintendent Lee Ewe Kiang said the department worked with the Ipoh City Council Licensing and Enforcement Department recently to remove 1,200 loan shark advertisements in areas such as Jelapang, Meru, Ampang and Tambun.
“This operation was carried out after we received many complaints from the public,” he said.
“The removal took two hours, but no arrests were made. We removed 350 advertisements in Jelapang and Meru, and 850 in Tambun and Ampang Baru,” he said, adding that the case was being investigated under Section 29AA of the Moneylender Act 1951.
Lee said under Op Vulture last year, 194 illegal money lending cases were investigated and 59 arrests were made.
So far, this year, he said, 59 cases had been recorded and 21 arrests had been made.
“Illegal money lending activities will always exist.
“The police will carry out operations periodically with the local authority,” he said.
Lee said many loan sharks were still at large because many victims refused to lodge police reports.