A Malaysian father has publicly disowned his 25-year-old daughter after allegedly spending more than RM160,000 (about S$48,500) over several years to settle debts linked to her gambling activities and borrowings from loan sharks.
The semi-retired construction contractor said he had reached his breaking point after repeated attempts to help his daughter failed to stop her from accumulating more debt.
Sold House To Repay RM120,000 Debt
Speaking at a press conference, the father, identified only as Lee, revealed that his daughter’s financial troubles began when she was 21 years old after becoming involved in online gambling.
According to Lee, she subsequently borrowed money from multiple illegal moneylenders, leaving the family facing constant pressure from debt collectors.
Determined to help his daughter, Lee spent years repaying her debts.
At one stage, the situation became so severe that he sold his house to raise funds to settle approximately RM120,000 (around S$36,300) owed to loan sharks.
Despite the sacrifice, Lee claimed his daughter continued borrowing money and failed to change her behaviour.
Supported Her Studies Overseas
Lee said his daughter graduated from an international high school and later expressed a desire to further her studies in Qingdao, China.
As a supportive parent, he agreed to finance her education and living expenses for about three years.
However, he later realised he was unsure whether she had actually completed her studies.
The father said his daughter returned briefly to Malaysia earlier this year before travelling between Malaysia and China on multiple occasions.
She also reportedly requested financial support to rent accommodation in Kuala Lumpur with friends.
Lee agreed on the condition that she stop borrowing from loan sharks, but claimed she did not keep her promise.
Additional Financial Assistance
Apart from supporting her studies in China, Lee also said his daughter travelled to the United Kingdom, where he transferred RM10,000 (approximately S$3,000) to her through an e-wallet.
Despite the continued financial assistance, her debt problems allegedly persisted.
Earlier this year, Lee was again contacted by moneylenders seeking repayment.
Between February and recent months, he claimed to have paid another RM40,000 to RM50,000 to settle outstanding debts on her behalf.
Father Decides To Cut Ties
After receiving yet more demands from loan sharks in recent days, Lee said he made the difficult decision to sever ties with his daughter.
He announced that he would no longer be responsible for any future debts incurred by her.
According to Lee, the more than RM160,000 he had already paid was enough, and he wanted to make it clear publicly that he would not continue rescuing her financially.
He also appealed to moneylenders to pursue the borrower directly instead of contacting him.
Growing Concern Over Gambling-Related Debt
Also present at the press conference was Lee Boon Pin, who expressed concern about the growing number of young people turning to illegal moneylenders.
He warned members of the public against borrowing money to fund gambling activities and urged greater financial responsibility, particularly with major sporting events approaching.
The case has sparked discussion online about gambling addiction, family responsibility and the emotional toll debt can place on parents who repeatedly attempt to help adult children facing financial difficulties.