KUCHING: Ariff Peter’s journey was one filled with both hope and despair. At the age of twenty-seven, the enterprising young man found himself entangled in a web of debt amounting to a staggering RM1.2 million.
It all began when he decided to venture into the realm of digital currency investments, hoping to establish a business that would aid those seeking success in this field. Little did he know that his aspirations would lead him down a path of hardship and solitude.
Ariff, a resilient soul hailing from Bintulu, recounted his story to the New Sarawak Tribune. He explained how those who had initially shown interest in his business proposition, captivated by his marketing skills and ability to target the bumiputera market, vanished into thin air when the global crypto market crashed in 2022.
Left to bear the weight of his debts alone, Ariff was forced to sell off his assets and work tirelessly, sometimes labouring for over 20 hours a day, just to make ends meet. His only refuge and abode has been his trusty Proton Wira, which served both as his means of transportation and a makeshift home.
These unfortunate turn of events not only burdened Ariff financially but also took a toll on his emotional well-being.
His old friends, who were once by his side, began to distance themselves, leaving him feeling desolate and dejected.
However, amidst the darkness that engulfed his life, a flicker of hope emerged.
Ariff believed that perhaps this was God’s way of resetting his circle, paving the way for a more positive and supportive environment. And indeed, his faith was not misplaced.
In his darkest hour, new friends emerged, offering a helping hand and helping him regain his self-confidence. Their unwavering support became a beacon of light, guiding him through the treacherous waters of despair. Ariff found solace in their presence, realising that true friendship transcends material wealth and fleeting success.
Recently, Ariff found employment at a company based in Sri Petaling, despite not possessing an identity card at the time. Many employers hesitated to hire individuals without proper documentation, but this company saw beyond the paperwork and recognised Ariff’s potential. Overwhelmed with gratitude, he wept tears of joy in his car, hardly believing that he had been given a second chance.
To repay his debts and inch closer to financial stability, Ariff utilised his talents and skills to provide various services. He took to social media, particularly TikTok, where he showcased his abilities. From cleaning and sanitising homes to designing business posters, writing song lyrics, and composing jingles, Ariff left no stone unturned in his quest to settle his debts, which had been reduced to RM100,000. With each task he undertook, he inched closer to freedom from the shackles of debt.
In one of his recent videos, Ariff dedicated a heartfelt message to someone special who had stood by his side throughout the trials and tribulations. This person, undeterred by the challenges they faced, expressed her willingness to start from the bottom alongside him. Through the tumultuous period of unemployment and the eventual acquisition of a permanent job, she remained a pillar of support, offering unwavering love and encouragement.
Ariff’s talent as a songster also caught the attention of the local entertainment industry. He was entrusted with the responsibility of composing songs for two movies, ‘Coast Guard’ and ‘Mat Tudung.’ Additionally, he had once participated in a programme called Mentor’s Audition, showcasing his musical prowess to a wider audience.
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A man from Bintulu living out of his car in a pursuit to clear over RM1 mil debt
KUCHING: From ‘venturing’ into a digital currency investments, twenty-seven year-old Ariff Peter had to ‘reside’ in his car over a year following the failure of an investment scheme which left him in debt of about RM1.2 million.
Speaking to New Sarawak Tribune on how he got involved in such a massive debt, Ariff who hails from Bintulu shared that his intention was to set up an investment business and help those who intended to do well in the field, however, did not expect that all those with him in the investment had disappeared.
“They are interested in the way I market my business and they feel that I can help in targeting the bumiputera market. Then in 2022, they ran away following the fall of the global crypto market,” he said.
To pay off his debt and make ends meet, he said he sold his assets and worked over 20 hours a day since last year and only live out of his Proton Wira, which he used for work and a place for him to sleep.
Following these unfortunate events, Ariff said many of his old friends had left him, which made him sad and depressed for a while.
“But maybe God wants to reset my circle for a more positive one. Right now, I have new friends who help me regain my self-confidence,” he said.
At the moment, Ariff said he’s been working for a company based in Sri Petaling since last month despite not having an identity card (IC) at that time because he didn’t have the financial resources to pay off the fines.
“Not many people dare to hire employees who do not have an IC. After I found out that I was accepted for the job, I cried as much as I could in the car as I didn’t think I would get a second chance,” he said.
Ariff also posted on his TikTok account on the services he provided to pay off the balance of his debts amounting RM100,000 such as cleaning or sanitising homes or premises, designing business posters and copywriting, writing lyrics, composing, mixing, mastering and product jingles, among others.
He also posted a video recently, dedicated to someone special who has been supporting him despite the challenges he faced.
“She told me that she was willing and not ashamed to start from the bottom with me. She stayed with me from the time I struggled to find a job until I got a permanent job,” he said in the video.
Ariff is also a songster, and has recently taken on two song composing jobs this year for a local movie ‘Coast Guard’ and ‘Mat Tudung’ and once participated in programme called Mentor’s audition.
His story also received coverage nationwide and went viral on various social media platforms.
Ariff is on a mission to clear the balance of his debt amounting RM100k.
