This was the threatening text message that Ms Tan Lin Son received from a loan shark who was demanding RM300,000 to settle a RM2,000 loan.

The New Straits Times yesterday reported that Ms Tan's troubles started early this year when she borrowed money from a loan shark known as 'Avin' to pay for her children's education.

'I have already paid RM20,000 but he wanted more,' said the 44-year-old restaurant waitress in Ampang.

Speaking at a press conference organised by the Malaysian Chinese Association's public services and complaints unit, Ms Tan said 'Avin' demanded that she pay RM500 daily or she and her family would be harmed.

'He has even slapped me at my work place and my home,' she said, crying.

Unable to take the daily harassment, she asked the loan shark for the full amount to be settled and almost fainted when told that it was RM300,000.

Ms Tan said the loan shark had been sending text messages almost every day, threatening to hurt her and her family.

Unit head Datuk Michael Chong has offered to help Ms Tan lodge a police report.

Datuk Chong has advised the public not to borrow money from loan sharks.

The unit has so far received 529 complaints about loan sharks involving RM45 million.