KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: A media consultant was assaulted by a loan shark despite repaying RM100,000 of a RM292,000 loan she took on Oct 21.

Annie Shi, 39, was approached at her office in Pandan Jaya on Monday at 10.30am by two loan sharks after she was late in paying the weekly instalment. Even though she tried to explain the situation, one of the loan sharks punched and kicked her for several minutes.

Satisfied that he had made his point, the loan shark and his partner left Shi's office. Before leaving, however, they warned Shi to come up with RM18,000 in two days or they would pay her another visit.

The bruised and battered woman was later discovered by one of her colleagues who brought Shi to the nearest hospital. After receiving treatment, Shi lodged a report at the Pandan Indah police station. It is learnt she has gone into hiding.

Shi also sought the assistance of MCA Public Service and Complaints Department head Datuk Michael Chong who said the amount Shi owed the loan sharks had ballooned to RM410,000 with interest.

He said people, especially women, should not borrow money from illegal money lenders.

"If you want to borrow money, go to licensed financial institutions or banks which are regulated by the government with reasonable interest rates."