It has been revealed that a new programme has been launched to help teenagers are who struggling with crippling debts and have turned to loan sharks as a result.

Authorities have proposed harsher penalties for doorstop lenders and they plan to reach out to youths who are increasingly becoming runners for loan sharks.

As a result, in an attempt to reduce this practice, the Home Affairs Ministry will create more outreach schemes to discourage and warns teens.

Keith It, deputy head, Specialised Crime, Criminal Investigation Department, said: “Some of the measures which we use in our anti-gang efforts include team building, programmes for the youths, educational talks, leadership skills. These are skill sets which can be ported over for the anti-loan sharking efforts.”

A senior assistant director from the Preventive Education Unit, Central Narcotics Bureau, said: “We organise talks and exhibitions to reach out to students and the general public. These talks and exhibitions are conducted in schools, work places and other public areas.”