How can you say licenced moneylenders operate the same way as ah long. Ah long go about others house splashing paint while licenced moneylenders did not. And this does not mean that they can go around to borrow money and dont pay, they are just taking advantage of the fact that those licenced moneylenders cant do anything to them other then suing him bankrupt which is a lose lose situation for the licenced moneylenders. The government legalised this trade so that they can curb ah long. If everyone lend from the licenced moneylenders, no more splashing of paint on neighbours house. This in turn will help solve 1 of the society problem that Singapore faced for decades. And now this borrrowers go around borrowing money and tell the press that they are the victim. Those guys went around borrowing money, read the contract, accepted the terms and condition and signed the contract. Blame who? You took the money and used it and you should pay. The law wont protect you from borrowing and not paying. For those that lend money for real issue(eg hospital bills...), i pity them in paying such high interest and those licenced moneylenders should show some conscience in charging them lower interest. But for those gamblers or lazy asshole that dont work, u r just a bloody faker that cheat on others compassion by calling the press or police.