Six citizens of Bangladesh have been detained by police for allegedly engaging in illicit money-lending operations in the Muar area, and RM176,250 has been confiscated from them.

The male suspects, who range in age from 26 to 40, were taken into custody on Wednesday, November 6, around 4:30 p.m., according to Muar OCPD Asst Comm Raiz Mukhliz Azman Aziz.

In a statement released Thursday, November 7, he said that "they are targeting Bangladeshi workers by charging high interest rates on the money borrowed."

Lenders would retain the borrowers' automated teller machine (ATM) cards until the loan balance was paid back, according to ACP Raiz Mukhliz.

In addition to the RM176,250, police also seized several items from the suspects, including seven mobile phones, sling bags, and 187 ATM cards.

"All suspects have been remanded to assist with the investigation," said ACP Raiz Mukhliz.

The case is being investigated under Section 5(2) of the Moneylenders Act 1951, which provides for a maximum fine of RM1mil or a jail term of up to five years, or both, upon conviction.

"We would like to advise the public not to be easily duped by illegal money lenders or dubious loans offered by them," he said.