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Our Services
We offer these financial services to individuals.
AKPK provides financial education materials on the proper use of credit and basic money management as well as tips on how to use credit responsibly.
AKPK offers counselling and advice on managing your finances wisely – from budgeting, money management and credit related issues.
Our counsellors will work with you to develop a personalised debt repayment plan in consultation with your financial service providers.
Our DMP services are offered FREE for individuals.
OUR VISION
We want to create a society that is financially savvy.
We want to be recognised as the trusted provider of financial education to adult consumers and continue to promote financial prudence.
OUR MISSION
Make Prudent Financial Management A Way of Life.
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In the News
KUALA LUMPUR: The Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK), in collaboration with the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), has come up with an online pre-marriage module known as ‘’I Do You Do Duit Together’’ to help potential brides and bridegrooms to manage their finances after marriage.
Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Hannah Yeoh said most newly-wed couples faced financial problems due to poor management of their finances.
She said this was apart from them refusing to listen to advice and ashamed to admit their debts that many found themselves in dire financial situation, leading them to live under the poverty level.
“Through the ‘I Do You Do Duit Together’ pre-marriage programme and module, we hope to provide advice and guidance on financial management to couples.
“It is an interactive online module where the couples only need to answer the questions provided at any time of their choice. The answers provided can be used as guidance for them to manage their finances after they are married,” she told reporters after launching the module here today.
She said the module could be accessed at the AKPK’s website at https://learn.akpk.org.my/courses/i-do-you-do-duit.
“So, potential brides and bridegrooms, they do not have to go anywhere to get financial advice. It’s all done online,” she added.
Yeoh said the online pre-marriage module was also aimed at educating potential brides and bridegrooms to understand their financial position and to not waste their money on wedding preparations to avoid being burdened with marriage debts.
Meanwhile, AKPK chief executive officer Azzaddin Ngah Tasir said a series of competitions will be held for 10 months beginning today for those who join the module.
Participants are only required to submit attractive slogans for the module, and to participate in the contest, they have to provide the certificate number of their module which they will be given after they have answered all the questions, he added. — Bernama
Pre-marriage module to help po...
Sep 15, 2019 | financialmanagement
KUALA LUMPUR: The Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK), in collaboration with the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), has come up with an online pre-marriage module known as ‘’I Do You Do Duit Together’’ to help potential brides and bridegrooms to manage their finances after marriage.
Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Hannah Yeoh said most newly-wed couples faced financial problems due to poor management of their finances.
She said this was apart from them refusing to listen to advice and ashamed to admit their debts that many found themselves in dire financial situation, leading them to live under the poverty level.
“Through the ‘I Do You Do Duit Together’ pre-marriage programme and module, we hope to provide advice and guidance on financial management to couples.
“It is an interactive online module where the couples only need to answer the questions provided at any time of their choice. The answers provided can be used as guidance for them to manage their finances after they are married,” she told reporters after launching the module here today.
She said the module could be accessed at the AKPK’s website at https://learn.akpk.org.my/courses/i-do-you-do-duit.
“So, potential brides and bridegrooms, they do not have to go anywhere to get financial advice. It’s all done online,” she added.
Yeoh said the online pre-marriage module was also aimed at educating potential brides and bridegrooms to understand their financial position and to not waste their money on wedding preparations to avoid being burdened with marriage debts.
Meanwhile, AKPK chief executive officer Azzaddin Ngah Tasir said a series of competitions will be held for 10 months beginning today for those who join the module.
Participants are only required to submit attractive slogans for the module, and to participate in the contest, they have to provide the certificate number of their module which they will be given after they have answered all the questions, he added. — Bernama
Sep 15, 2019 | financialmanagement
Read More
KUALA LUMPUR: The Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK), in collaboration with the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), has come up with an online pre-marriage module known as ‘’I Do You Do Duit Together’’ to help potential brides and bridegrooms to manage their finances after marriage.
Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Hannah Yeoh said most newly-wed couples faced financial problems due to poor management of their finances.
She said this was apart from them refusing to listen to advice and ashamed to admit their debts that many found themselves in dire financial situation, leading them to live under the poverty level.
“Through the ‘I Do You Do Duit Together’ pre-marriage programme and module, we hope to provide advice and guidance on financial management to couples.
“It is an interactive online module where the couples only need to answer the questions provided at any time of their choice. The answers provided can be used as guidance for them to manage their finances after they are married,” she told reporters after launching the module here today.
She said the module could be accessed at the AKPK’s website at https://learn.akpk.org.my/courses/i-do-you-do-duit.
“So, potential brides and bridegrooms, they do not have to go anywhere to get financial advice. It’s all done online,” she added.
Yeoh said the online pre-marriage module was also aimed at educating potential brides and bridegrooms to understand their financial position and to not waste their money on wedding preparations to avoid being burdened with marriage debts.
Meanwhile, AKPK chief executive officer Azzaddin Ngah Tasir said a series of competitions will be held for 10 months beginning today for those who join the module.
Participants are only required to submit attractive slogans for the module, and to participate in the contest, they have to provide the certificate number of their module which they will be given after they have answered all the questions, he added. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Hong Leong Bank dan Hong Leong Islamic Bank melancarkan insiatif HLB DuitSmart sebagai usaha untuk memberi penekanan terhadap kepentingan literasi kewangan.
HLB DuitSmart adalah platform literasi kewangan yang dilaksanakan bersama Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK) dan Universiti Malaysia (UM).
Pengarah Urusan dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Kumpulannya, Domenic Fuda berkata, platform berkenaan adalah untuk memberi pengetahuan mengenai pengurusan kewangan dan menjadikan maklumat berkaitan lebih mudah diakses oleh rakyat negara ini.
Beliau berkata, berdasarkan tinjauan yang dijalankan secara dalam talian bersama iMoney mendapati 75 peratus rakyat negara ini menilai ilmu kewangan pada tahap rendah sehingga sederhana.
Malah, katanya, hanya 19 peratus individu mengekalkan skor kredit yang baik meskipun kebanyakannya mengatakan faham mengenai perkara itu.
“Sebagai institusi kewangan di Malaysia, kami terpanggil untuk melaksanakan tanggungjawab dalam menghubungkan jarak antara kesedaran dan pengetahuan hal ehwal pengurusan kewangan.
“Melalui HLB DuitSmart, kami akan memfokuskan kepada tiga teras iaitu Kesedaran, Bantuan dan Tindakan berhubung pengurusan kewangan ini,” katanya pada majlis pelancarannya di sini, baru-baru ini.
Hadir sama, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif AKPK, Azaddin Ngah Tasir dan Naib Canselor UM, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahim Hashim.
HLB DuitSmart akan mengira dan menyediakan maklumat mengenai pengetahuan kewangan secara dalam talian, selain membolehkan rakyat Malaysia menyemak skor kredit masing-masing, menerusi usaha sama dengan iMoney mulai hari ini hingga akhir bulan.
Fuda berkata, dalam tinjauan yang sama, 68 peratus percaya secara umumnya mereka tidak mempunyai simpanan yang mencukupi dan 41 peratus tidak tahu di mana mereka boleh dapatkan bantuan.
“Kebanyakan orang menganggap pengetahuan kewangan bermaksud mengetahui cara menyimpan dan mengurus pinjaman, sedangkan ia lebih daripada itu.
“Lagi cepat konsep itu difahami, lebih cepat kita dapat menanam amalan kewangan bertanggungjawab yang akan meningkatkan kebebasan kewangan pada masa depan,” katanya.
HLB DuitSmart platform literas...
Sep 13, 2019 | financialmanagement
KUALA LUMPUR: Hong Leong Bank dan Hong Leong Islamic Bank melancarkan insiatif HLB DuitSmart sebagai usaha untuk memberi penekanan terhadap kepentingan literasi kewangan.
HLB DuitSmart adalah platform literasi kewangan yang dilaksanakan bersama Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK) dan Universiti Malaysia (UM).
Pengarah Urusan dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Kumpulannya, Domenic Fuda berkata, platform berkenaan adalah untuk memberi pengetahuan mengenai pengurusan kewangan dan menjadikan maklumat berkaitan lebih mudah diakses oleh rakyat negara ini.
Beliau berkata, berdasarkan tinjauan yang dijalankan secara dalam talian bersama iMoney mendapati 75 peratus rakyat negara ini menilai ilmu kewangan pada tahap rendah sehingga sederhana.
Malah, katanya, hanya 19 peratus individu mengekalkan skor kredit yang baik meskipun kebanyakannya mengatakan faham mengenai perkara itu.
“Sebagai institusi kewangan di Malaysia, kami terpanggil untuk melaksanakan tanggungjawab dalam menghubungkan jarak antara kesedaran dan pengetahuan hal ehwal pengurusan kewangan.
“Melalui HLB DuitSmart, kami akan memfokuskan kepada tiga teras iaitu Kesedaran, Bantuan dan Tindakan berhubung pengurusan kewangan ini,” katanya pada majlis pelancarannya di sini, baru-baru ini.
Hadir sama, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif AKPK, Azaddin Ngah Tasir dan Naib Canselor UM, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahim Hashim.
HLB DuitSmart akan mengira dan menyediakan maklumat mengenai pengetahuan kewangan secara dalam talian, selain membolehkan rakyat Malaysia menyemak skor kredit masing-masing, menerusi usaha sama dengan iMoney mulai hari ini hingga akhir bulan.
Fuda berkata, dalam tinjauan yang sama, 68 peratus percaya secara umumnya mereka tidak mempunyai simpanan yang mencukupi dan 41 peratus tidak tahu di mana mereka boleh dapatkan bantuan.
“Kebanyakan orang menganggap pengetahuan kewangan bermaksud mengetahui cara menyimpan dan mengurus pinjaman, sedangkan ia lebih daripada itu.
“Lagi cepat konsep itu difahami, lebih cepat kita dapat menanam amalan kewangan bertanggungjawab yang akan meningkatkan kebebasan kewangan pada masa depan,” katanya.
Sep 13, 2019 | financialmanagement
Read More
KUALA LUMPUR: Hong Leong Bank dan Hong Leong Islamic Bank melancarkan insiatif HLB DuitSmart sebagai usaha untuk memberi penekanan terhadap kepentingan literasi kewangan.
HLB DuitSmart adalah platform literasi kewangan yang dilaksanakan bersama Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK) dan Universiti Malaysia (UM).
Pengarah Urusan dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Kumpulannya, Domenic Fuda berkata, platform berkenaan adalah untuk memberi pengetahuan mengenai pengurusan kewangan dan menjadikan maklumat berkaitan lebih mudah diakses oleh rakyat negara ini.
Beliau berkata, berdasarkan tinjauan yang dijalankan secara dalam talian bersama iMoney mendapati 75 peratus rakyat negara ini menilai ilmu kewangan pada tahap rendah sehingga sederhana.
Malah, katanya, hanya 19 peratus individu mengekalkan skor kredit yang baik meskipun kebanyakannya mengatakan faham mengenai perkara itu.
“Sebagai institusi kewangan di Malaysia, kami terpanggil untuk melaksanakan tanggungjawab dalam menghubungkan jarak antara kesedaran dan pengetahuan hal ehwal pengurusan kewangan.
“Melalui HLB DuitSmart, kami akan memfokuskan kepada tiga teras iaitu Kesedaran, Bantuan dan Tindakan berhubung pengurusan kewangan ini,” katanya pada majlis pelancarannya di sini, baru-baru ini.
Hadir sama, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif AKPK, Azaddin Ngah Tasir dan Naib Canselor UM, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahim Hashim.
HLB DuitSmart akan mengira dan menyediakan maklumat mengenai pengetahuan kewangan secara dalam talian, selain membolehkan rakyat Malaysia menyemak skor kredit masing-masing, menerusi usaha sama dengan iMoney mulai hari ini hingga akhir bulan.
Fuda berkata, dalam tinjauan yang sama, 68 peratus percaya secara umumnya mereka tidak mempunyai simpanan yang mencukupi dan 41 peratus tidak tahu di mana mereka boleh dapatkan bantuan.
“Kebanyakan orang menganggap pengetahuan kewangan bermaksud mengetahui cara menyimpan dan mengurus pinjaman, sedangkan ia lebih daripada itu.
“Lagi cepat konsep itu difahami, lebih cepat kita dapat menanam amalan kewangan bertanggungjawab yang akan meningkatkan kebebasan kewangan pada masa depan,” katanya.
KUALA LUMPUR 6 Sept. - Setiap individu perlu mempunyai perancangan persaraan sejak memulakan alam pekerjaan, kata Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK).
Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya Azaddin Ngah Tasir berkata, berdasarkan kajian Bank Negara Malaysia tahun lepas, kira-kira 57 peratus rakyat Malaysia memahami pentingnya kewangan yang stabil.
“Namun, kami yakin masih ada ruang untuk mendidik anak muda, terutama mengenai cara menambung, yang boleh dilakukan berdasarkan kadar perbelanjaan. Masih ramai yang tidak mempunyai simpanan yang mencukupi selepas persaraan,” katanya selepas melancarkan Inisiatif DuitSmart Hong Leong Bank, di sini hari ini.
Beliau berkata program pengurusan hutang agensi itu mencatatkan peningkatan dari segi minat orang ramai untuk mengetahui secara mendalam kaedah yang perlu dilakukan untuk mendapat skor kredit yang baik.
“Kita menerima kira-kira 10,000 hingga 15,000 individu dari seluruh negara yang datang untuk mendapatkan khidmat nasihat. Ini satu perkara yang memberangsangkan kerana kami di AKPK akan membantu untuk mengelak seseorang itu daripada jatuh muflis,” katanya.
Mengenai harapan dalam Belanjawan 2020, beliau berharap kerajaan dapat menjadikan pendidikan kewangan sebagai mata pelajaran wajib di sekolah rendah sehingga ke universiti.
“Kita mengalami masalah kewangan sepanjang masa. Oleh itu, semua orang perlu memahami pentingnya kestabilan kewangan untuk masa depan,” katanya.
Pada majlis itu, Hong Leong Bank (HLB), AKPK and Universiti Malaya melancarkan inisiatif DuitSmart HLB dengan matlamat untuk mengukuhkan literasi kewangan.
Pengarah Urusan yang juga Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Kumpulan HLB, Domenic Fuda berkata, berdasarkan kajian yang dijalankan dengan kerjasama iMoney 75 peratus daripada responden meletakkan tahap pengetahuan mengenai kewangan pada paras rendah hingga sederhana dan 68 peratus percaya secara umumnya mereka tidak mempunyai simpanan yang mencukupi.
“Kebanyakan orang menganggap pengetahuan kewangan bermakna mengetahui cara menyimpan dan mengurus pinjaman. sedangkan ia lebih daripada itu.
“Lagi cepat konsep itu difahami, lebih cepat kita dapat menanam amalan kewangan bertanggungjawab yang akan meningkatkan kebebasan kewangan pada masa depan,” katanya.
HLB DuitSmart akan mengira dan menyediakan maklumat mengenai pengetahuan kewangan secara dalam talian, selain membolehkan rakyat Malaysia menyemak skor kredit masing-masing, menerusi usaha sama dengan iMoney mulai hari ini hingga akhir bulan.- BERNAMA
Individu perlu rancang persara...
Sep 07, 2019 | financialmanagement
KUALA LUMPUR 6 Sept. - Setiap individu perlu mempunyai perancangan persaraan sejak memulakan alam pekerjaan, kata Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK).
Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya Azaddin Ngah Tasir berkata, berdasarkan kajian Bank Negara Malaysia tahun lepas, kira-kira 57 peratus rakyat Malaysia memahami pentingnya kewangan yang stabil.
“Namun, kami yakin masih ada ruang untuk mendidik anak muda, terutama mengenai cara menambung, yang boleh dilakukan berdasarkan kadar perbelanjaan. Masih ramai yang tidak mempunyai simpanan yang mencukupi selepas persaraan,” katanya selepas melancarkan Inisiatif DuitSmart Hong Leong Bank, di sini hari ini.
Beliau berkata program pengurusan hutang agensi itu mencatatkan peningkatan dari segi minat orang ramai untuk mengetahui secara mendalam kaedah yang perlu dilakukan untuk mendapat skor kredit yang baik.
“Kita menerima kira-kira 10,000 hingga 15,000 individu dari seluruh negara yang datang untuk mendapatkan khidmat nasihat. Ini satu perkara yang memberangsangkan kerana kami di AKPK akan membantu untuk mengelak seseorang itu daripada jatuh muflis,” katanya.
Mengenai harapan dalam Belanjawan 2020, beliau berharap kerajaan dapat menjadikan pendidikan kewangan sebagai mata pelajaran wajib di sekolah rendah sehingga ke universiti.
“Kita mengalami masalah kewangan sepanjang masa. Oleh itu, semua orang perlu memahami pentingnya kestabilan kewangan untuk masa depan,” katanya.
Pada majlis itu, Hong Leong Bank (HLB), AKPK and Universiti Malaya melancarkan inisiatif DuitSmart HLB dengan matlamat untuk mengukuhkan literasi kewangan.
Pengarah Urusan yang juga Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Kumpulan HLB, Domenic Fuda berkata, berdasarkan kajian yang dijalankan dengan kerjasama iMoney 75 peratus daripada responden meletakkan tahap pengetahuan mengenai kewangan pada paras rendah hingga sederhana dan 68 peratus percaya secara umumnya mereka tidak mempunyai simpanan yang mencukupi.
“Kebanyakan orang menganggap pengetahuan kewangan bermakna mengetahui cara menyimpan dan mengurus pinjaman. sedangkan ia lebih daripada itu.
“Lagi cepat konsep itu difahami, lebih cepat kita dapat menanam amalan kewangan bertanggungjawab yang akan meningkatkan kebebasan kewangan pada masa depan,” katanya.
HLB DuitSmart akan mengira dan menyediakan maklumat mengenai pengetahuan kewangan secara dalam talian, selain membolehkan rakyat Malaysia menyemak skor kredit masing-masing, menerusi usaha sama dengan iMoney mulai hari ini hingga akhir bulan.- BERNAMA
Sep 07, 2019 | financialmanagement
Read More
KUALA LUMPUR 6 Sept. - Setiap individu perlu mempunyai perancangan persaraan sejak memulakan alam pekerjaan, kata Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK).
Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya Azaddin Ngah Tasir berkata, berdasarkan kajian Bank Negara Malaysia tahun lepas, kira-kira 57 peratus rakyat Malaysia memahami pentingnya kewangan yang stabil.
“Namun, kami yakin masih ada ruang untuk mendidik anak muda, terutama mengenai cara menambung, yang boleh dilakukan berdasarkan kadar perbelanjaan. Masih ramai yang tidak mempunyai simpanan yang mencukupi selepas persaraan,” katanya selepas melancarkan Inisiatif DuitSmart Hong Leong Bank, di sini hari ini.
Beliau berkata program pengurusan hutang agensi itu mencatatkan peningkatan dari segi minat orang ramai untuk mengetahui secara mendalam kaedah yang perlu dilakukan untuk mendapat skor kredit yang baik.
“Kita menerima kira-kira 10,000 hingga 15,000 individu dari seluruh negara yang datang untuk mendapatkan khidmat nasihat. Ini satu perkara yang memberangsangkan kerana kami di AKPK akan membantu untuk mengelak seseorang itu daripada jatuh muflis,” katanya.
Mengenai harapan dalam Belanjawan 2020, beliau berharap kerajaan dapat menjadikan pendidikan kewangan sebagai mata pelajaran wajib di sekolah rendah sehingga ke universiti.
“Kita mengalami masalah kewangan sepanjang masa. Oleh itu, semua orang perlu memahami pentingnya kestabilan kewangan untuk masa depan,” katanya.
Pada majlis itu, Hong Leong Bank (HLB), AKPK and Universiti Malaya melancarkan inisiatif DuitSmart HLB dengan matlamat untuk mengukuhkan literasi kewangan.
Pengarah Urusan yang juga Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Kumpulan HLB, Domenic Fuda berkata, berdasarkan kajian yang dijalankan dengan kerjasama iMoney 75 peratus daripada responden meletakkan tahap pengetahuan mengenai kewangan pada paras rendah hingga sederhana dan 68 peratus percaya secara umumnya mereka tidak mempunyai simpanan yang mencukupi.
“Kebanyakan orang menganggap pengetahuan kewangan bermakna mengetahui cara menyimpan dan mengurus pinjaman. sedangkan ia lebih daripada itu.
“Lagi cepat konsep itu difahami, lebih cepat kita dapat menanam amalan kewangan bertanggungjawab yang akan meningkatkan kebebasan kewangan pada masa depan,” katanya.
HLB DuitSmart akan mengira dan menyediakan maklumat mengenai pengetahuan kewangan secara dalam talian, selain membolehkan rakyat Malaysia menyemak skor kredit masing-masing, menerusi usaha sama dengan iMoney mulai hari ini hingga akhir bulan.- BERNAMA
KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 29): Decent affordable housing is fundamental to the health and well-being of people, and to the smooth functioning of economies. Yet around the world, in developing and advanced economies alike, cities are struggling to meet that need.
In line with the country’s commitment to provide adequate and affordable housing for all income levels, particularly for the lower-income group, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) Governor Datuk Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus (pictured) stressed that affordable housing is a shared responsibility and that the government is looking at how infrastructure providers could play their part in reducing the cost of houses.
“There are three components which make up the biggest proportion of the cost, namely land, construction and infrastructure,” she said in an exclusive interview with Bernama recently.
“There is a greater recognition now on the need to reduce costs. For land costs, the government is collaborating with the state government on mechanisms to reduce costs; and for construction costs — that is where the government is looking to leverage technology such as the IBS (Industrialised Building System) to bring down the cost,” she pointed out.
Explaining further, the Governor said “more importantly is to adopt strategies to raise income levels of households to make housing more affordable to the rakyat.”
Over the period 2007-2016, growth in house prices have outpaced household income.
Based on the median multiple approach, a house is deemed to be unaffordable if it is priced more than three times the annual household income. Malaysia’s is at 4.8 times.
“Let’s take the B40 for example. With their median monthly income of RM3,000, they can only afford houses up to around RM108,000 — three times their annual income.
“If you look at the 68 per cent of total unsold residential units, they are above RM300,000. That is why we also have to address the supply-demand mismatch.
“While there is demand for affordable housing, the developers are building outside the affordable reach of the majority of Malaysians,” said Nor Shamsiah.
Recently, the central bank expanded the eligibility criteria for those seeking to purchase property under the BNM’s RM1 billion Fund for Affordable Homes.
Effective Sept 1, 2019, individuals planning to apply for financing to purchase affordable houses would be eligible to do so if they have a maximum monthly household income of RM4,360, up 86 per cent from the earlier threshold income level of RM2,300 per month.
Plus, the maximum property price will be increased to RM300,000 from RM150,000. These new terms would help buyers from this income group to obtain financing to purchase their first house.
Meanwhile, the Governor reiterated the importance of the Guidelines on Responsible Financing.
“The Guidelines on Responsible Financing is still relevant because the main objective of these guidelines is to ensure that borrowers are able to afford the loan and can benefit from it.
“So, if a customer is taking the loan to buy a house, the customer should eventually own the house at the end of their loan tenure. Ultimately, the banks and the borrowers should also be responsible in the decision. It works both ways,” she added.
The central bank’s responsible financing guidelines are in place to protect the interest of borrowers by ensuring that those who borrow are within their capacity to honour the financial obligation until the end of the loan tenure and eventually own the property.
This is as opposed to merely buying the house upfront and then fall behind their obligations and end up losing the property.
On that note, the Governor said a lot is being done to educate consumers on areas relating to credit and financial management, especially through the Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency, or commonly known as Agensi Kaunseling & Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK), which has gained greater traction.
AKPK is an agency established by BNM to help individuals take control of their finances through prudent financial management and financial education.
Financial literacy is among the factors that can contribute to sustainable and inclusive economic growth. It is the first line of defence for consumers to protect their rights when dealing with unfair market practices.
At the same time, to alleviate the public’s burden in coping with the rising cost of living, particularly for the M40 and B40 groups, the Governor said BNM has been emphasising the importance of improving technical skills, reforming the labour market and education system.
“There needs to be greater collaboration between training providers and the industry players to ensure Malaysia produces graduates with the right skills,” said Nor Shamsiah.
During the interview, the Governor also explained at length several other key issues pertaining to the country’s economic growth, the banking industry, the vital need to increase consumer awareness, as well as the importance of education, reskilling and upskilling in order to stay relevant in a challenging and constantly changing economy.
Affordable housing a shared re...
Aug 30, 2019 | financialmanagement
KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 29): Decent affordable housing is fundamental to the health and well-being of people, and to the smooth functioning of economies. Yet around the world, in developing and advanced economies alike, cities are struggling to meet that need.
In line with the country’s commitment to provide adequate and affordable housing for all income levels, particularly for the lower-income group, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) Governor Datuk Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus (pictured) stressed that affordable housing is a shared responsibility and that the government is looking at how infrastructure providers could play their part in reducing the cost of houses.
“There are three components which make up the biggest proportion of the cost, namely land, construction and infrastructure,” she said in an exclusive interview with Bernama recently.
“There is a greater recognition now on the need to reduce costs. For land costs, the government is collaborating with the state government on mechanisms to reduce costs; and for construction costs — that is where the government is looking to leverage technology such as the IBS (Industrialised Building System) to bring down the cost,” she pointed out.
Explaining further, the Governor said “more importantly is to adopt strategies to raise income levels of households to make housing more affordable to the rakyat.”
Over the period 2007-2016, growth in house prices have outpaced household income.
Based on the median multiple approach, a house is deemed to be unaffordable if it is priced more than three times the annual household income. Malaysia’s is at 4.8 times.
“Let’s take the B40 for example. With their median monthly income of RM3,000, they can only afford houses up to around RM108,000 — three times their annual income.
“If you look at the 68 per cent of total unsold residential units, they are above RM300,000. That is why we also have to address the supply-demand mismatch.
“While there is demand for affordable housing, the developers are building outside the affordable reach of the majority of Malaysians,” said Nor Shamsiah.
Recently, the central bank expanded the eligibility criteria for those seeking to purchase property under the BNM’s RM1 billion Fund for Affordable Homes.
Effective Sept 1, 2019, individuals planning to apply for financing to purchase affordable houses would be eligible to do so if they have a maximum monthly household income of RM4,360, up 86 per cent from the earlier threshold income level of RM2,300 per month.
Plus, the maximum property price will be increased to RM300,000 from RM150,000. These new terms would help buyers from this income group to obtain financing to purchase their first house.
Meanwhile, the Governor reiterated the importance of the Guidelines on Responsible Financing.
“The Guidelines on Responsible Financing is still relevant because the main objective of these guidelines is to ensure that borrowers are able to afford the loan and can benefit from it.
“So, if a customer is taking the loan to buy a house, the customer should eventually own the house at the end of their loan tenure. Ultimately, the banks and the borrowers should also be responsible in the decision. It works both ways,” she added.
The central bank’s responsible financing guidelines are in place to protect the interest of borrowers by ensuring that those who borrow are within their capacity to honour the financial obligation until the end of the loan tenure and eventually own the property.
This is as opposed to merely buying the house upfront and then fall behind their obligations and end up losing the property.
On that note, the Governor said a lot is being done to educate consumers on areas relating to credit and financial management, especially through the Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency, or commonly known as Agensi Kaunseling & Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK), which has gained greater traction.
AKPK is an agency established by BNM to help individuals take control of their finances through prudent financial management and financial education.
Financial literacy is among the factors that can contribute to sustainable and inclusive economic growth. It is the first line of defence for consumers to protect their rights when dealing with unfair market practices.
At the same time, to alleviate the public’s burden in coping with the rising cost of living, particularly for the M40 and B40 groups, the Governor said BNM has been emphasising the importance of improving technical skills, reforming the labour market and education system.
“There needs to be greater collaboration between training providers and the industry players to ensure Malaysia produces graduates with the right skills,” said Nor Shamsiah.
During the interview, the Governor also explained at length several other key issues pertaining to the country’s economic growth, the banking industry, the vital need to increase consumer awareness, as well as the importance of education, reskilling and upskilling in order to stay relevant in a challenging and constantly changing economy.
Aug 30, 2019 | financialmanagement
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KUALA LUMPUR (Aug 29): Decent affordable housing is fundamental to the health and well-being of people, and to the smooth functioning of economies. Yet around the world, in developing and advanced economies alike, cities are struggling to meet that need.
In line with the country’s commitment to provide adequate and affordable housing for all income levels, particularly for the lower-income group, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) Governor Datuk Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus (pictured) stressed that affordable housing is a shared responsibility and that the government is looking at how infrastructure providers could play their part in reducing the cost of houses.
“There are three components which make up the biggest proportion of the cost, namely land, construction and infrastructure,” she said in an exclusive interview with Bernama recently.
“There is a greater recognition now on the need to reduce costs. For land costs, the government is collaborating with the state government on mechanisms to reduce costs; and for construction costs — that is where the government is looking to leverage technology such as the IBS (Industrialised Building System) to bring down the cost,” she pointed out.
Explaining further, the Governor said “more importantly is to adopt strategies to raise income levels of households to make housing more affordable to the rakyat.”
Over the period 2007-2016, growth in house prices have outpaced household income.
Based on the median multiple approach, a house is deemed to be unaffordable if it is priced more than three times the annual household income. Malaysia’s is at 4.8 times.
“Let’s take the B40 for example. With their median monthly income of RM3,000, they can only afford houses up to around RM108,000 — three times their annual income.
“If you look at the 68 per cent of total unsold residential units, they are above RM300,000. That is why we also have to address the supply-demand mismatch.
“While there is demand for affordable housing, the developers are building outside the affordable reach of the majority of Malaysians,” said Nor Shamsiah.
Recently, the central bank expanded the eligibility criteria for those seeking to purchase property under the BNM’s RM1 billion Fund for Affordable Homes.
Effective Sept 1, 2019, individuals planning to apply for financing to purchase affordable houses would be eligible to do so if they have a maximum monthly household income of RM4,360, up 86 per cent from the earlier threshold income level of RM2,300 per month.
Plus, the maximum property price will be increased to RM300,000 from RM150,000. These new terms would help buyers from this income group to obtain financing to purchase their first house.
Meanwhile, the Governor reiterated the importance of the Guidelines on Responsible Financing.
“The Guidelines on Responsible Financing is still relevant because the main objective of these guidelines is to ensure that borrowers are able to afford the loan and can benefit from it.
“So, if a customer is taking the loan to buy a house, the customer should eventually own the house at the end of their loan tenure. Ultimately, the banks and the borrowers should also be responsible in the decision. It works both ways,” she added.
The central bank’s responsible financing guidelines are in place to protect the interest of borrowers by ensuring that those who borrow are within their capacity to honour the financial obligation until the end of the loan tenure and eventually own the property.
This is as opposed to merely buying the house upfront and then fall behind their obligations and end up losing the property.
On that note, the Governor said a lot is being done to educate consumers on areas relating to credit and financial management, especially through the Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency, or commonly known as Agensi Kaunseling & Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK), which has gained greater traction.
AKPK is an agency established by BNM to help individuals take control of their finances through prudent financial management and financial education.
Financial literacy is among the factors that can contribute to sustainable and inclusive economic growth. It is the first line of defence for consumers to protect their rights when dealing with unfair market practices.
At the same time, to alleviate the public’s burden in coping with the rising cost of living, particularly for the M40 and B40 groups, the Governor said BNM has been emphasising the importance of improving technical skills, reforming the labour market and education system.
“There needs to be greater collaboration between training providers and the industry players to ensure Malaysia produces graduates with the right skills,” said Nor Shamsiah.
During the interview, the Governor also explained at length several other key issues pertaining to the country’s economic growth, the banking industry, the vital need to increase consumer awareness, as well as the importance of education, reskilling and upskilling in order to stay relevant in a challenging and constantly changing economy.
Only 24% can survive up to 3 months with own savings and only 10% can remain unemployed within 6 months
By AZREEN HANI / Pic By HUSSEIN SHAHARUDDIN
FIFTY percent of Malaysians admitted to having difficulties to raise RM1,000 for emergencies. One in five working adults said they did not save in the past six months. Three in 10 individuals have to borrow money to buy basic needs.
Many are burdened with huge debts. Cases of loan defaults have been a concern with thousands have been declared bankrupt.
If these statistics are not worrying enough, according to a Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK) survey last year, only 24% could survive up to three months with their own savings and only 10% could remain unemployed within six months.
If these gloomy figures do not rock the concerns of many Malaysians, the police’s recent announcement that Malaysia lost up to RM2 billion annually due to telecommunications scams and e-commerce frauds would make many stand up.
The widespread incidents of such thefts and how easily victims are duped by these criminals have triggered alarm bells on the susceptibility of the public to such cons.
Many have lost their life savings to promises of fast cash and instant wealth despite repeated warnings by the authorities.
To address the problem, the government has initiated the National Strategy for Financial Literacy 2019-2023, a framework aimed to improve financial literacy across all segments of the society.
According to studies by the OECD International Network on Financial Education, AKPK and the Malaysian Financial Planning Council between 2015 and 2018, the financial literacy level among Malaysians has yet to reach a satisfactory standard.
The AKPK Financial Behaviour Survey 2018 — which focused on the financial behaviour of Malaysian working adults in terms of their spending, savings and debt management — also revealed that there are areas which need to be enhanced for Malaysians’ financial wellbeing.
“It is important for us to promote good money management among the public. It’s our mandate to make prudent financial management a way of life,” AKPK GM for the operations division Nor Fazleen Zakaria (picture) told The Malaysian Reserve.
Nor Fazleen said Malaysians in general know they are supposed to budget, manage their finances and be disciplined in terms of lifestyle.
She said what is worrying is some individuals are not planning their finances and are buying too frequently.
“I know in this age and time there are many distractions and the desire to keep up with the lifestyle, but ultimately, you have to decide whether your purchase will impact you financially or not.
“What’s concerning is the fact that sometimes people just don’t plan at all. That’s wrong. That behaviour is something we (AKPK) want to correct and inculcate since young,” she said.
National Strategy for Financial Literacy
The National Strategy for financial literacy launched by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad last month outlines five main plans to equip Malaysians with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions and nurture healthy attitudes in financial management.
Dr Mahathir said the National Strategy supports the government’s aspiration for shared prosperity by ensuring that Malaysians are empowered with the right knowledge and skills to confidently make responsible financial decisions at every stage of their life.
“It is imperative that financial education is accessible to Malaysians across all ages and life stages, and this can only be achieved by working together,” he said.
Financial Education Network co-chairs, Bank Negara Malaysia governor Datuk Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus and Securities Commission Malaysia chairman Datuk Syed Zaid Albar, stressed that improving financial literacy across all segments of society requires a systematic, sustained and coordinated approach that focuses on engendering long-term behavioural change.
“The call to action to enable Malaysians to better cope with greater uncertainty and financial complexity has never been timelier. We all play a crucial role in promoting the financial literacy and capability of current and future generations,” they said.
With the strategy, Nor Fazleen said AKPK will be able to leverage on its partners to conduct more outreach programmes as they are tasked to focus on financial education for adults.
“The strategy provides a structured framework on what we need to do, the type of reach we can aim for and what kind of messages we are sending out to the public,” she explained.
“We do a lot of outreach programmes with government agencies and universities — and as the Education Ministry is also involved, we can work together to ensure that not only students, but educators (too) would be equipped with good financial skills, so it can be taught to the young as well.”
Why Financial Literacy Matters
According to the National Strategy, financially literate individuals make informed financial decisions throughout their life and lead to sustained improvements in their standard of living.
Financially capable households interact responsibly with financial service providers, which in turn builds financial resilience.
The rise in cases of bankruptcy among working adults — especially around the ages of 25-40 — is something that could be prevented, said Nor Fazleen.
“At this age, having financial literacy is a living skill not only for the young, but also older generations,” she stressed.
“For AKPK, we offer a financial education programme that is designed and catered to all life stages, from young to retirement age. Apart from that, we offer counselling and debt management programmes as well, especially to those who are facing financial problems,” she said.
For example, AKPK’s module for tertiary education focuses on preparation for graduates before entering the workforce. Meanwhile for working adults, the module encompasses the right types of investments and how to boost their retirement portfolio, among others.
“That’s why acquiring literacy is a continuous process. What more with various challenges each day,” Nor Fazleen said.
Nor Fazleen noted that despite various campaigns and the authorities’ warnings on financial scams, many including professionals still fall victim due to the lack of awareness and inevitable skills to face it.
“It is alarming that those scam activities target people who are close to or in retirement age because they have a certain amount of savings in the EPF (Employees Provident Fund),” she said.
She reminded the public to not be deceived by those who claim to be AKPK agents.
“We are doing our services for free, so please do not engage third party agents. Sometimes, they have your data and ask (for) 10% out of your outstanding loans.
“AKPK does not look for customers, one should engage with us and we will provide our consultations and services for free,” she added.
Malaysians’ Financial Behaviour
AKPK’s financial behaviour survey on Malaysian working adults also revealed that financial behaviour is at 7.02 points out of 10 points, which is rather satisfactory.
However, for the wellbeing index, the survey showed Malaysians only scored 6.21 points.
“It is not something that we should be satisfied (with), although it means we are okay, we have to empower ourselves more,” said Nor Fazleen.
Financial problems is cited as one of the contributors to bad wellbeing.
“We don’t want to have bad wellbeing just because we are not managing our money well.
“Interestingly, we found that people with a lower income are happier despite the cost of living,” she said The survey also found that high pay does not necessarily correlate with happiness.
“Even though your pay is meagre, if you are not prone to any lifestyle issues or live within your means, you tend to score better in the wellbeing index. Wellbeing does not mean you have to make more, but (it’s) how you manage it,” she said.
The other aspect of financial wellbeing is debt management. According to Nor Fazleen, one with a higher pay would still have financial problems if the person tends to over-borrow, compared to someone who has lesser pay, but with limited debt.
“It is important that as a consumer, we are empowered, we know what is right or what is wrong, and we make the right financial decision.
“To be empowered, we need knowledge. So, seek knowledge — because AKPK has it when it comes to financial literacy. Everybody has to play a role, individually. The employers and the ecosystem should be supported too,” she said.
When financial knowledge alone...
Aug 14, 2019 | financialmanagement
Only 24% can survive up to 3 months with own savings and only 10% can remain unemployed within 6 months
By AZREEN HANI / Pic By HUSSEIN SHAHARUDDIN
FIFTY percent of Malaysians admitted to having difficulties to raise RM1,000 for emergencies. One in five working adults said they did not save in the past six months. Three in 10 individuals have to borrow money to buy basic needs.
Many are burdened with huge debts. Cases of loan defaults have been a concern with thousands have been declared bankrupt.
If these statistics are not worrying enough, according to a Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK) survey last year, only 24% could survive up to three months with their own savings and only 10% could remain unemployed within six months.
If these gloomy figures do not rock the concerns of many Malaysians, the police’s recent announcement that Malaysia lost up to RM2 billion annually due to telecommunications scams and e-commerce frauds would make many stand up.
The widespread incidents of such thefts and how easily victims are duped by these criminals have triggered alarm bells on the susceptibility of the public to such cons.
Many have lost their life savings to promises of fast cash and instant wealth despite repeated warnings by the authorities.
To address the problem, the government has initiated the National Strategy for Financial Literacy 2019-2023, a framework aimed to improve financial literacy across all segments of the society.
According to studies by the OECD International Network on Financial Education, AKPK and the Malaysian Financial Planning Council between 2015 and 2018, the financial literacy level among Malaysians has yet to reach a satisfactory standard.
The AKPK Financial Behaviour Survey 2018 — which focused on the financial behaviour of Malaysian working adults in terms of their spending, savings and debt management — also revealed that there are areas which need to be enhanced for Malaysians’ financial wellbeing.
“It is important for us to promote good money management among the public. It’s our mandate to make prudent financial management a way of life,” AKPK GM for the operations division Nor Fazleen Zakaria (picture) told The Malaysian Reserve.
Nor Fazleen said Malaysians in general know they are supposed to budget, manage their finances and be disciplined in terms of lifestyle.
She said what is worrying is some individuals are not planning their finances and are buying too frequently.
“I know in this age and time there are many distractions and the desire to keep up with the lifestyle, but ultimately, you have to decide whether your purchase will impact you financially or not.
“What’s concerning is the fact that sometimes people just don’t plan at all. That’s wrong. That behaviour is something we (AKPK) want to correct and inculcate since young,” she said.
National Strategy for Financial Literacy
The National Strategy for financial literacy launched by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad last month outlines five main plans to equip Malaysians with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions and nurture healthy attitudes in financial management.
Dr Mahathir said the National Strategy supports the government’s aspiration for shared prosperity by ensuring that Malaysians are empowered with the right knowledge and skills to confidently make responsible financial decisions at every stage of their life.
“It is imperative that financial education is accessible to Malaysians across all ages and life stages, and this can only be achieved by working together,” he said.
Financial Education Network co-chairs, Bank Negara Malaysia governor Datuk Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus and Securities Commission Malaysia chairman Datuk Syed Zaid Albar, stressed that improving financial literacy across all segments of society requires a systematic, sustained and coordinated approach that focuses on engendering long-term behavioural change.
“The call to action to enable Malaysians to better cope with greater uncertainty and financial complexity has never been timelier. We all play a crucial role in promoting the financial literacy and capability of current and future generations,” they said.
With the strategy, Nor Fazleen said AKPK will be able to leverage on its partners to conduct more outreach programmes as they are tasked to focus on financial education for adults.
“The strategy provides a structured framework on what we need to do, the type of reach we can aim for and what kind of messages we are sending out to the public,” she explained.
“We do a lot of outreach programmes with government agencies and universities — and as the Education Ministry is also involved, we can work together to ensure that not only students, but educators (too) would be equipped with good financial skills, so it can be taught to the young as well.”
Why Financial Literacy Matters
According to the National Strategy, financially literate individuals make informed financial decisions throughout their life and lead to sustained improvements in their standard of living.
Financially capable households interact responsibly with financial service providers, which in turn builds financial resilience.
The rise in cases of bankruptcy among working adults — especially around the ages of 25-40 — is something that could be prevented, said Nor Fazleen.
“At this age, having financial literacy is a living skill not only for the young, but also older generations,” she stressed.
“For AKPK, we offer a financial education programme that is designed and catered to all life stages, from young to retirement age. Apart from that, we offer counselling and debt management programmes as well, especially to those who are facing financial problems,” she said.
For example, AKPK’s module for tertiary education focuses on preparation for graduates before entering the workforce. Meanwhile for working adults, the module encompasses the right types of investments and how to boost their retirement portfolio, among others.
“That’s why acquiring literacy is a continuous process. What more with various challenges each day,” Nor Fazleen said.
Nor Fazleen noted that despite various campaigns and the authorities’ warnings on financial scams, many including professionals still fall victim due to the lack of awareness and inevitable skills to face it.
“It is alarming that those scam activities target people who are close to or in retirement age because they have a certain amount of savings in the EPF (Employees Provident Fund),” she said.
She reminded the public to not be deceived by those who claim to be AKPK agents.
“We are doing our services for free, so please do not engage third party agents. Sometimes, they have your data and ask (for) 10% out of your outstanding loans.
“AKPK does not look for customers, one should engage with us and we will provide our consultations and services for free,” she added.
Malaysians’ Financial Behaviour
AKPK’s financial behaviour survey on Malaysian working adults also revealed that financial behaviour is at 7.02 points out of 10 points, which is rather satisfactory.
However, for the wellbeing index, the survey showed Malaysians only scored 6.21 points.
“It is not something that we should be satisfied (with), although it means we are okay, we have to empower ourselves more,” said Nor Fazleen.
Financial problems is cited as one of the contributors to bad wellbeing.
“We don’t want to have bad wellbeing just because we are not managing our money well.
“Interestingly, we found that people with a lower income are happier despite the cost of living,” she said The survey also found that high pay does not necessarily correlate with happiness.
“Even though your pay is meagre, if you are not prone to any lifestyle issues or live within your means, you tend to score better in the wellbeing index. Wellbeing does not mean you have to make more, but (it’s) how you manage it,” she said.
The other aspect of financial wellbeing is debt management. According to Nor Fazleen, one with a higher pay would still have financial problems if the person tends to over-borrow, compared to someone who has lesser pay, but with limited debt.
“It is important that as a consumer, we are empowered, we know what is right or what is wrong, and we make the right financial decision.
“To be empowered, we need knowledge. So, seek knowledge — because AKPK has it when it comes to financial literacy. Everybody has to play a role, individually. The employers and the ecosystem should be supported too,” she said.
Aug 14, 2019 | financialmanagement
Read More
Only 24% can survive up to 3 months with own savings and only 10% can remain unemployed within 6 months
By AZREEN HANI / Pic By HUSSEIN SHAHARUDDIN
FIFTY percent of Malaysians admitted to having difficulties to raise RM1,000 for emergencies. One in five working adults said they did not save in the past six months. Three in 10 individuals have to borrow money to buy basic needs.
Many are burdened with huge debts. Cases of loan defaults have been a concern with thousands have been declared bankrupt.
If these statistics are not worrying enough, according to a Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK) survey last year, only 24% could survive up to three months with their own savings and only 10% could remain unemployed within six months.
If these gloomy figures do not rock the concerns of many Malaysians, the police’s recent announcement that Malaysia lost up to RM2 billion annually due to telecommunications scams and e-commerce frauds would make many stand up.
The widespread incidents of such thefts and how easily victims are duped by these criminals have triggered alarm bells on the susceptibility of the public to such cons.
Many have lost their life savings to promises of fast cash and instant wealth despite repeated warnings by the authorities.
To address the problem, the government has initiated the National Strategy for Financial Literacy 2019-2023, a framework aimed to improve financial literacy across all segments of the society.
According to studies by the OECD International Network on Financial Education, AKPK and the Malaysian Financial Planning Council between 2015 and 2018, the financial literacy level among Malaysians has yet to reach a satisfactory standard.
The AKPK Financial Behaviour Survey 2018 — which focused on the financial behaviour of Malaysian working adults in terms of their spending, savings and debt management — also revealed that there are areas which need to be enhanced for Malaysians’ financial wellbeing.
“It is important for us to promote good money management among the public. It’s our mandate to make prudent financial management a way of life,” AKPK GM for the operations division Nor Fazleen Zakaria (picture) told The Malaysian Reserve.
Nor Fazleen said Malaysians in general know they are supposed to budget, manage their finances and be disciplined in terms of lifestyle.
She said what is worrying is some individuals are not planning their finances and are buying too frequently.
“I know in this age and time there are many distractions and the desire to keep up with the lifestyle, but ultimately, you have to decide whether your purchase will impact you financially or not.
“What’s concerning is the fact that sometimes people just don’t plan at all. That’s wrong. That behaviour is something we (AKPK) want to correct and inculcate since young,” she said.
National Strategy for Financial Literacy
The National Strategy for financial literacy launched by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad last month outlines five main plans to equip Malaysians with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions and nurture healthy attitudes in financial management.
Dr Mahathir said the National Strategy supports the government’s aspiration for shared prosperity by ensuring that Malaysians are empowered with the right knowledge and skills to confidently make responsible financial decisions at every stage of their life.
“It is imperative that financial education is accessible to Malaysians across all ages and life stages, and this can only be achieved by working together,” he said.
Financial Education Network co-chairs, Bank Negara Malaysia governor Datuk Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus and Securities Commission Malaysia chairman Datuk Syed Zaid Albar, stressed that improving financial literacy across all segments of society requires a systematic, sustained and coordinated approach that focuses on engendering long-term behavioural change.
“The call to action to enable Malaysians to better cope with greater uncertainty and financial complexity has never been timelier. We all play a crucial role in promoting the financial literacy and capability of current and future generations,” they said.
With the strategy, Nor Fazleen said AKPK will be able to leverage on its partners to conduct more outreach programmes as they are tasked to focus on financial education for adults.
“The strategy provides a structured framework on what we need to do, the type of reach we can aim for and what kind of messages we are sending out to the public,” she explained.
“We do a lot of outreach programmes with government agencies and universities — and as the Education Ministry is also involved, we can work together to ensure that not only students, but educators (too) would be equipped with good financial skills, so it can be taught to the young as well.”
Why Financial Literacy Matters
According to the National Strategy, financially literate individuals make informed financial decisions throughout their life and lead to sustained improvements in their standard of living.
Financially capable households interact responsibly with financial service providers, which in turn builds financial resilience.
The rise in cases of bankruptcy among working adults — especially around the ages of 25-40 — is something that could be prevented, said Nor Fazleen.
“At this age, having financial literacy is a living skill not only for the young, but also older generations,” she stressed.
“For AKPK, we offer a financial education programme that is designed and catered to all life stages, from young to retirement age. Apart from that, we offer counselling and debt management programmes as well, especially to those who are facing financial problems,” she said.
For example, AKPK’s module for tertiary education focuses on preparation for graduates before entering the workforce. Meanwhile for working adults, the module encompasses the right types of investments and how to boost their retirement portfolio, among others.
“That’s why acquiring literacy is a continuous process. What more with various challenges each day,” Nor Fazleen said.
Nor Fazleen noted that despite various campaigns and the authorities’ warnings on financial scams, many including professionals still fall victim due to the lack of awareness and inevitable skills to face it.
“It is alarming that those scam activities target people who are close to or in retirement age because they have a certain amount of savings in the EPF (Employees Provident Fund),” she said.
She reminded the public to not be deceived by those who claim to be AKPK agents.
“We are doing our services for free, so please do not engage third party agents. Sometimes, they have your data and ask (for) 10% out of your outstanding loans.
“AKPK does not look for customers, one should engage with us and we will provide our consultations and services for free,” she added.
Malaysians’ Financial Behaviour
AKPK’s financial behaviour survey on Malaysian working adults also revealed that financial behaviour is at 7.02 points out of 10 points, which is rather satisfactory.
However, for the wellbeing index, the survey showed Malaysians only scored 6.21 points.
“It is not something that we should be satisfied (with), although it means we are okay, we have to empower ourselves more,” said Nor Fazleen.
Financial problems is cited as one of the contributors to bad wellbeing.
“We don’t want to have bad wellbeing just because we are not managing our money well.
“Interestingly, we found that people with a lower income are happier despite the cost of living,” she said The survey also found that high pay does not necessarily correlate with happiness.
“Even though your pay is meagre, if you are not prone to any lifestyle issues or live within your means, you tend to score better in the wellbeing index. Wellbeing does not mean you have to make more, but (it’s) how you manage it,” she said.
The other aspect of financial wellbeing is debt management. According to Nor Fazleen, one with a higher pay would still have financial problems if the person tends to over-borrow, compared to someone who has lesser pay, but with limited debt.
“It is important that as a consumer, we are empowered, we know what is right or what is wrong, and we make the right financial decision.
“To be empowered, we need knowledge. So, seek knowledge — because AKPK has it when it comes to financial literacy. Everybody has to play a role, individually. The employers and the ecosystem should be supported too,” she said.
KUALA LUMPUR: One out of three Malaysians are not comfortable with their financial knowledge, while half of the population (52%) say they face difficulties raising even RM1,000 for emergencies.
These were among the findings in a Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK) survey last year.
AKPK chief executive officer Azaddin Ngah Tasir said when it comes to sustainability and preparedness after one loses his major source of income, only 24% said they could survive for up to three months with their own savings, and only 10% were confident of lasting six months unemployed.
“The other component is preparations for retirement, where 68% of Malaysians who retire at 55 do not even have at least RM240,000 in their Employees Provident Fund (EPF) account.
“And we have situations where 70% of those who withdrew their EPF money use up the money within five to 10 years,” Azaddin said during the launch of the National Strategy for Financial Literacy 2019-2023 at Bank Negara here yesterday.
He added that one out of every five Malaysians also did not manage to save any money for the past six months.
Azaddin stressed the importance of elevating the level of financial literacy to improve the people’s financial well-being.
“While it is improving, it is still at a very moderate level,” he added.
Director at Universiti Malaya’s Social Wellbeing Research Centre Emeritus Prof Datuk Dr Norma Mansor said the country should impart financial literacy even to children, including kindergarteners.
“In preschools in England and Wales, children are taught how to use money, save and donate, which are all part of the education of living responsibly,” she said.
In his welcoming remarks, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said financial literacy is how one should manage their finances and spend within their means.
“If we want to ask Malaysians not to spend, then it will be bad for our economy. After all, we want an increase in consumption and spending, but let it be increased in a prudent manner so that it does not exceed your income,” he said at the event.
Also in attendance was Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Abdul Hamid Bador, who said that those who succumb to temptations such as gambling also suffer financial stress.
“Some even borrow from loan sharks until it affects their performance at the workplace,” he added.
Vital to strengthen financial...
Jul 25, 2019 | TheStarOnline
KUALA LUMPUR: One out of three Malaysians are not comfortable with their financial knowledge, while half of the population (52%) say they face difficulties raising even RM1,000 for emergencies.
These were among the findings in a Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK) survey last year.
AKPK chief executive officer Azaddin Ngah Tasir said when it comes to sustainability and preparedness after one loses his major source of income, only 24% said they could survive for up to three months with their own savings, and only 10% were confident of lasting six months unemployed.
“The other component is preparations for retirement, where 68% of Malaysians who retire at 55 do not even have at least RM240,000 in their Employees Provident Fund (EPF) account.
“And we have situations where 70% of those who withdrew their EPF money use up the money within five to 10 years,” Azaddin said during the launch of the National Strategy for Financial Literacy 2019-2023 at Bank Negara here yesterday.
He added that one out of every five Malaysians also did not manage to save any money for the past six months.
Azaddin stressed the importance of elevating the level of financial literacy to improve the people’s financial well-being.
“While it is improving, it is still at a very moderate level,” he added.
Director at Universiti Malaya’s Social Wellbeing Research Centre Emeritus Prof Datuk Dr Norma Mansor said the country should impart financial literacy even to children, including kindergarteners.
“In preschools in England and Wales, children are taught how to use money, save and donate, which are all part of the education of living responsibly,” she said.
In his welcoming remarks, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said financial literacy is how one should manage their finances and spend within their means.
“If we want to ask Malaysians not to spend, then it will be bad for our economy. After all, we want an increase in consumption and spending, but let it be increased in a prudent manner so that it does not exceed your income,” he said at the event.
Also in attendance was Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Abdul Hamid Bador, who said that those who succumb to temptations such as gambling also suffer financial stress.
“Some even borrow from loan sharks until it affects their performance at the workplace,” he added.
Jul 25, 2019 | TheStarOnline
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KUALA LUMPUR: One out of three Malaysians are not comfortable with their financial knowledge, while half of the population (52%) say they face difficulties raising even RM1,000 for emergencies.
These were among the findings in a Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK) survey last year.
AKPK chief executive officer Azaddin Ngah Tasir said when it comes to sustainability and preparedness after one loses his major source of income, only 24% said they could survive for up to three months with their own savings, and only 10% were confident of lasting six months unemployed.
“The other component is preparations for retirement, where 68% of Malaysians who retire at 55 do not even have at least RM240,000 in their Employees Provident Fund (EPF) account.
“And we have situations where 70% of those who withdrew their EPF money use up the money within five to 10 years,” Azaddin said during the launch of the National Strategy for Financial Literacy 2019-2023 at Bank Negara here yesterday.
He added that one out of every five Malaysians also did not manage to save any money for the past six months.
Azaddin stressed the importance of elevating the level of financial literacy to improve the people’s financial well-being.
“While it is improving, it is still at a very moderate level,” he added.
Director at Universiti Malaya’s Social Wellbeing Research Centre Emeritus Prof Datuk Dr Norma Mansor said the country should impart financial literacy even to children, including kindergarteners.
“In preschools in England and Wales, children are taught how to use money, save and donate, which are all part of the education of living responsibly,” she said.
In his welcoming remarks, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said financial literacy is how one should manage their finances and spend within their means.
“If we want to ask Malaysians not to spend, then it will be bad for our economy. After all, we want an increase in consumption and spending, but let it be increased in a prudent manner so that it does not exceed your income,” he said at the event.
Also in attendance was Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Abdul Hamid Bador, who said that those who succumb to temptations such as gambling also suffer financial stress.
“Some even borrow from loan sharks until it affects their performance at the workplace,” he added.
PETALING JAYA: The Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK) does not charge anything for their services.
"AKPK's services are free of charge for all individuals. We have never appointed any third party or agent to act on our behalf," AKPK corporate communications head Mohamad Khalil Jamaldin said in a statement on Monday (July 1).
He was responding to a report that a sales executive had been duped into paying more than RM8,000 to a fake-loan syndicate.
The man had been told that he had been blacklisted and that he needed to pay RM1,000 for register with AKPK and another RM2,020 for documentation fees.
image: https://video.unrulymedia.com/native/images/in-art-close-icon-128x128-16481b937f87b244a645cdbef0d930f8.png
AKPK, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank Negara Malaysia, provides financial education, credit counselling and debt restructuring services to individuals.
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/07/01/akpk-our-services-are-free/#bkzWpXHC3uGEOQM5.99
AKPK: Our services are free
Jul 02, 2019 | financialmanagement
PETALING JAYA: The Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK) does not charge anything for their services.
"AKPK's services are free of charge for all individuals. We have never appointed any third party or agent to act on our behalf," AKPK corporate communications head Mohamad Khalil Jamaldin said in a statement on Monday (July 1).
He was responding to a report that a sales executive had been duped into paying more than RM8,000 to a fake-loan syndicate.
The man had been told that he had been blacklisted and that he needed to pay RM1,000 for register with AKPK and another RM2,020 for documentation fees.
image: https://video.unrulymedia.com/native/images/in-art-close-icon-128x128-16481b937f87b244a645cdbef0d930f8.png
AKPK, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank Negara Malaysia, provides financial education, credit counselling and debt restructuring services to individuals.
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/07/01/akpk-our-services-are-free/#bkzWpXHC3uGEOQM5.99
Jul 02, 2019 | financialmanagement
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PETALING JAYA: The Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK) does not charge anything for their services.
"AKPK's services are free of charge for all individuals. We have never appointed any third party or agent to act on our behalf," AKPK corporate communications head Mohamad Khalil Jamaldin said in a statement on Monday (July 1).
He was responding to a report that a sales executive had been duped into paying more than RM8,000 to a fake-loan syndicate.
The man had been told that he had been blacklisted and that he needed to pay RM1,000 for register with AKPK and another RM2,020 for documentation fees.
image: https://video.unrulymedia.com/native/images/in-art-close-icon-128x128-16481b937f87b244a645cdbef0d930f8.png
AKPK, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank Negara Malaysia, provides financial education, credit counselling and debt restructuring services to individuals.
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/07/01/akpk-our-services-are-free/#bkzWpXHC3uGEOQM5.99
KUALA LUMPUR: Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK) menyediakan peluang kepada individu peminjam serta bakal peminjam untuk mempertingkat disiplin kewangan mereka melalui pendidikan kewangan, perkhidmatan kaunseling kewangan dan Program Pengurusan Kredit (PPK) secara percuma.
Pengurus Besarnya, Nor Fazleen Zakaria berkata, pendidikan kewangan oleh AKPK bertujuan memupuk amalan bijak wang dalam kalangan peminjam supaya dapat mengawal kewangan mereka dengan baik di samping mempromosikan budaya pembayaran balik teratur melalui penggunaan kredit yang cermat.
Katanya, melalui perkhidmatan terbabit, AKPK berhasrat membantu sektor isi rumah supaya menjadi lebih kukuh dan sistem perbankan pula menjadi lebih cekap serta berdaya maju dengan cara memudahkan usaha pembayaran balik hutang dan mengurangkan berlakunya kegagalan pembayaran balik yang berpunca daripada pengurusan kredit yang lemah.
“PPK oleh AKPK membantu peminjam menjadualkan dan menstrukturkan semula pinjaman rumah, pinjaman sewa beli dan pinjaman peribadi atau tunggakan baki kad kredit yang perlu dibayar kepada penyedia perkhidmatan kewangan di bawah pengawalan Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).
“Kaunseling kewangan dan PPK adalah perkhidmatan yang disediakan oleh AKPK secara percuma kepada individu tanpa melalui mana-mana pihak ketiga,” katanya.
AKPK sedia khidmat pendidikan...
Jun 28, 2019 | BHOnline
KUALA LUMPUR: Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK) menyediakan peluang kepada individu peminjam serta bakal peminjam untuk mempertingkat disiplin kewangan mereka melalui pendidikan kewangan, perkhidmatan kaunseling kewangan dan Program Pengurusan Kredit (PPK) secara percuma.
Pengurus Besarnya, Nor Fazleen Zakaria berkata, pendidikan kewangan oleh AKPK bertujuan memupuk amalan bijak wang dalam kalangan peminjam supaya dapat mengawal kewangan mereka dengan baik di samping mempromosikan budaya pembayaran balik teratur melalui penggunaan kredit yang cermat.
Katanya, melalui perkhidmatan terbabit, AKPK berhasrat membantu sektor isi rumah supaya menjadi lebih kukuh dan sistem perbankan pula menjadi lebih cekap serta berdaya maju dengan cara memudahkan usaha pembayaran balik hutang dan mengurangkan berlakunya kegagalan pembayaran balik yang berpunca daripada pengurusan kredit yang lemah.
“PPK oleh AKPK membantu peminjam menjadualkan dan menstrukturkan semula pinjaman rumah, pinjaman sewa beli dan pinjaman peribadi atau tunggakan baki kad kredit yang perlu dibayar kepada penyedia perkhidmatan kewangan di bawah pengawalan Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).
“Kaunseling kewangan dan PPK adalah perkhidmatan yang disediakan oleh AKPK secara percuma kepada individu tanpa melalui mana-mana pihak ketiga,” katanya.
Jun 28, 2019 | BHOnline
Read More
KUALA LUMPUR: Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK) menyediakan peluang kepada individu peminjam serta bakal peminjam untuk mempertingkat disiplin kewangan mereka melalui pendidikan kewangan, perkhidmatan kaunseling kewangan dan Program Pengurusan Kredit (PPK) secara percuma.
Pengurus Besarnya, Nor Fazleen Zakaria berkata, pendidikan kewangan oleh AKPK bertujuan memupuk amalan bijak wang dalam kalangan peminjam supaya dapat mengawal kewangan mereka dengan baik di samping mempromosikan budaya pembayaran balik teratur melalui penggunaan kredit yang cermat.
Katanya, melalui perkhidmatan terbabit, AKPK berhasrat membantu sektor isi rumah supaya menjadi lebih kukuh dan sistem perbankan pula menjadi lebih cekap serta berdaya maju dengan cara memudahkan usaha pembayaran balik hutang dan mengurangkan berlakunya kegagalan pembayaran balik yang berpunca daripada pengurusan kredit yang lemah.
“PPK oleh AKPK membantu peminjam menjadualkan dan menstrukturkan semula pinjaman rumah, pinjaman sewa beli dan pinjaman peribadi atau tunggakan baki kad kredit yang perlu dibayar kepada penyedia perkhidmatan kewangan di bawah pengawalan Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM).
“Kaunseling kewangan dan PPK adalah perkhidmatan yang disediakan oleh AKPK secara percuma kepada individu tanpa melalui mana-mana pihak ketiga,” katanya.
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Pelanggan AKPK kali ini datang bukan kerana kesempitan wang untuk hidup tetapi hilang kawalan dalam berbelanja dan berhutang untuk hidup mewah.
Beliau adalah seorang pengurus yang sudah bekerja lebih daripada 10 tahun di sebuah syarikat simen. Gaji beliau melebihi RM13,000 sebulan dengan jumlah bersih sebanyak RM 9,200. Walaupun bergaji tinggi, beliau tidak dapat menampung pembayaran balik kesemua hutang beliau setelah ditolak kos perbelanjaan hidup.
Ini ialah akibat daripada hilang kawalan ke atas penggunaan kad kredit untuk menampung gaya hidup mewah beliau sekeluarga. Bayangkan! Beliau mempunyai 15 akaun kad kredit dengan tunggakan hutang sekitar RM340,000. Di samping itu, beliau juga mempunyai dua (2) pinjaman perumahan dan pinjaman sewa beli. Jumlah pembayaran balik hutang setiap bulan adalah sekitar 70% daripada pendapatan bersih beliau.
Bagi menyelesaikan masalah ini, kaunselor AKPK mencadangkan agar semua hutang kad kredit beliau distrukturkan semula di bawah Program Pengurusan Kredit AKPK. Melalui program AKPK ini, beliau dapat mengurangkan pembayaran balik hutang dan menampung kos belanja hidup setiap bulan.
Kaunselor AKPK juga menasihati beliau agar memotong mana-mana perbelanjaan yang bukan satu keperluan. Perubahan sikap adalah penting dalam kes-kes seperti ini.
Pendek kata, berbelanjalah dengan betul lebih-lebih lagi apabila menggunakan kad kredit. Pastikan baki hutang kad kredit boleh dibayar sepenuhnya setiap bulan tanpa tunggakan jika tidak mahu hutang kad kredit bertambah melalui faedah atau caj lain yang dikenakan.
#nasihatAKPK
Pelanggan AKPK kali ini ialah seorang pembantu tadbir dengan gaj...
Continue Reading >Pelanggan AKPK kali ini ialah seorang pembantu tadbir dengan gaji bulanan sebanyak RM2,000.
Selain itu, dia juga mendapat wang mudah sebanyak RM1,000 setiap bulan sebagai salah seorang pengarah syarikat milik pakciknya. Sungguhpun bergelar pengarah syarikat, dia tidak pernah ambil tahu tentang perjalanan perniagaan pakciknya itu.
Setelah beberapa bulan menjadi pengarah syarikat, pakciknya meminta agar dia menjamin pembelian lima (5) buah lori untuk mengembangkan perniagaan. Tanpa berfikir panjang, dia terus bersetuju.
Tiada sebarang masalah pada mulanya walaupun dia ada menerima panggilan daripada pihak bank yang meminta agar tunggakan dijelaskan. Namun dia mengabaikan sahaja semua permintaan tersebut dengan sangkaan bahawa pakciknya akan menguruskannya seperti biasa.
Sehinggalah pada suatu hari, dia menerima surat peguam daripada pihak bank yang mengarahkan dia membayar tunggakan yang sudah melebihi setahun berjumlah RM250,000. Jika gagal, dia bakal diisytiharkan bankrap.
Dalam kepanikan, dia menelefon pakciknya berkali-kali tetapi tidak berjawab. Dia bersama keluarganya juga pergi ke rumah pakciknya tetapi diberitahu bahawa mereka telah pun berpindah beberapa bulan yang lepas. Sehingga kini, pakciknya tidak dapat dihubungi.
Dia berasa amat tertekan.
Dalam kes ini, kaunselor AKPK menekankan betapa perlunya menjadi seorang penjamin yang bertanggungjawab yakni menilai kemampuan membayar balik pinjaman sebelum bersetuju menjadi penjamin.
Memandangkan hutang ini dibuat di bawah entiti perniagaan dan bukan persendirian, AKPK tidak boleh membantu menstrukturkan semula pembayaran balik hutang dengan pihak bank.
Maka, kaunselor AKPK telah memberikan beberapa pilihan untuk menyelesaikan masalahnya termasuk memulangkan kesemua lori tersebut kepada pihak bank. Setelah dijual, dia boleh berunding dengan pihak bank tentang pembayaran balik jika masih ada hutang yang berbaki.
Dia juga dinasihatkan agar berhubung dengan Jabatan Insolvensi Malaysia bagi mendapatkan maklumat lengkap tentang proses kebankrapan serta nasihat tentang pilihan yang ada untuk mengelak daripada diisytiharkan bankrap seperti Perkiraan Sukarela atau Voluntary Arrangement.
Perkiraan sukarela adalah satu mekanisma penyelamat bagi mengelak tindakan undang-undang kebankrapan.
#nasihatAKPK
Encik Hisham (bukan nama sebenar) terpaksa akur untuk bersara se...
Continue Reading >Encik Hisham (bukan nama sebenar) terpaksa akur untuk bersara seawal umur 50 tahun.
Ia terjadi apabila kesihatannya semakin merosot sehinga tidak dapat lagi menulis. Sungguhpun begitu, pemeriksaan kesihatan dan ujian darah berkali-kali mengesahkan bahawa beliau tidak mempunyai apa-apa penyakit. Beliau kemudian mendapatkan rawatan secara alternatif namun kesemuanya menemui jalan buntu. Akhirnya, disebabkan keadaan beliau yang sudah lemah, beliau mengambil keputusan untuk bersara awal.
Setelah pencen, pendapatan beliau adalah sebanyak RM1,353 sebulan. Pembayaran balik untuk pinjaman perumahan daripada kerajaan sebanyak RM275 sebulan ditolak daripada wang pencen ini menjadikan pendapatan bersih beliau hanya RM1,078 sebulan. Pinjaman untuk rumah tersebut akan lunas apabila beliau mencecah umur 55 tahun. Selain itu, beliau juga ada mengambil pinjaman sewa beli kereta dan pinjaman peribadi untuk pengubahsuaian rumah dengan jumlah pembayaran balik pinjaman sebanyak RM1,030 sebulan.
Oleh kerana pendapatan beliau kini sudah berkurang, beliau tidak lagi dapat mengekalkan komitmen kewangan beliau dan mula ingkar membayar hutang. Semenjak itu, panggilan yang bertalu-talu dari ejen pengutip hutang bagi pihak bank datang mengganggu dan membuatkan beliau berasa sangat risau dan tertekan. Pihak bank pula mula mengambil langkah perundangan. Beliau hampir-hampir berputus asa dan hanya menunggu untuk diisytiharkan muflis sehinggalah pada suatu hari adik lelaki beliau terbaca tentang AKPK di dalam akhbar.
Encik Hisham beruntung kerana mempunyai keluarga yang prihatin. Oleh kerana beliau tidak lagi boleh memandu, pinjaman kereta diambil alih oleh adik lelaki dan beliau dihantar dengan kenderaan jika perlu ke mana-mana. Selepas bercerai, beliau dan anak juga tinggal di rumah ibu bapa beliau selepas bercerai dan penghidupan mereka dibantu oleh ahli keluarga sementara beliau berubat.
Oleh kerana beliau tidak lagi tinggal di rumah ini, beliau bercadang untuk menyewakannya bagi mendapatkan pendapatan tambahan yang sekurang-kurangnya boleh menampung kos pembayaran balik bulanan. Wang tambahan juga boleh membantu menampung kos perubatan beliau.
Pinjaman peribadi beliau dengan pihak bank pula akan distrukturkan semula di bawah Program Pengurusan Kredit AKPK. Dengan baki hutang sebanyak RM37,153, pembayaran balik yang distrukturkan semula pada kadar keuntungan semasa dengan ansuran bulanan yang dikurangkan mengikut kemampuan aliran tunai En Hisham akan melunaskan hutang tersebut dalam tempoh enam (6) tahun.
#nasihatAKPK
Pn Ani (bukan nama sebenar), berusia awal 20-an baru memulakan k...
Continue Reading >Pn Ani (bukan nama sebenar), berusia awal 20-an baru memulakan kerjaya pertamanya di sebuah agensi kerajaan dengan pendapatan sekitar RM 2,500 sebulan.
Dengan keinginan untuk mencari kehidupan yang lebih mewah, Pn Ani mula berjinak-jinak dengan perniagaan jualan langsung setelah menghadiri satu program yang telah dianjurkan oleh sebuah syarikat. Selepas menghadiri sesi berkenaan, Pn Ani begitu yakin dan bersemangat untuk menggapai impiannya menjadi salah seorang jutawan seperti yang ditunjukkan dalam program berkenaan. Beliau telah bertungkus-lumus siang dan malam bagi mengejar impiannya disamping meneruskan tugas sebagai pegawai kerajaan. Usahanya mula menampakkan hasil, pendapatannya terus meningkat dari ribuan ringgit ke belasan ribu dan akhirnya mencecah puluhan ribu sebulan malah pernah memperolehi RM50,000.00 sebulan! Seperti tidak percaya dengan apa yang dikecapinya malah dengan pendapatannya sebulan kini menyamai hampir 2 tahun gajinya suatu masa dulu. Tidak pernah terbayang dalam dirinya selama ini bahawa kini kehidupannya telah berubah dalam sekelip mata sahaja.
Bagi mengukuhkan lagi perniagaannya, Pn Ani nekad berhenti kerja sebagai seorang kakitangan kerajaan. Kini beliau mampu hidup mewah dengan rumah banglo berharga RM500K, dua buah kereta mewah masing-masing berharga RM150K dan RM300K. Malah, melancong keluar negara menjadi kebiasaan bagi diri dan keluarganya.
Sepertimana pepatah mengatakan, langit tidak selalunya cerah. Itulah yang telah mula membelenggu dirinya. Perniagaannya hanya mampu bertahan 2 tahun sahaja. Pendapatan lumayan yang diterima sebelum ini mula menyusut. Pn Ani mula membuat pinjaman peribadi bagi merancakkan semula perniagaannya malah mula menggunakan kad kredit bagi menampung kos kehidupannya yang mencecah belasan ribu sebulan untuk membayar rumah, kereta, pinjaman peribadi dan kad kredit serta perbelanjaan harian keluarga. Usahanya tidak menampakkan hasil, dan Pn Ani mula berputus asa. Setiap hari, pihak bank menghubunginya menuntut menjelaskan pinjaman-pinjaman yang telah tertunggak.
Akhirnya, Pn Ani nekad untuk menjual sebuah kereta mewahnya yang sudahpun mempunyai beberapa bulan tunggakan dengan menyerahkan kepada rakannya yang mempunyai syarikat menjual kereta terpakai. Umpama jatuh ditimpa tangga, setelah beberapa bulan keretanya berada di syarikat tersebut, malang datang menimpa apabila bilik pameran syarikat terbabit telah terbakar termasuklah keretanya. Lebih malang lagi apabila Pn Ani tidak boleh membuat tuntutan dari pihak insuran kerana kereta tersebut tidak mempunyai perlindungan insuran. Akibat dari kejadian itu, Pn Ani telah mengalami kerugian hampir RM250K!. Pn Ani telah menghubungi bank untuk berbincang namun pihak bank menuntutnya membayar semua tunggakan sebelum perbincangan boleh dibuat.
Termenung dan buntu mengenangkan nasib malang yang menimpa dirinya, Pn Ani nekad datang ke AKPK untuk menyelesaikan masalah kereta berkenaan bersama dengan pinjaman peribadi dan juga kad kredit. Kaunselor AKPK berjaya berunding dengan pihak bank dimana Pn Ani perlu membayar ansuran bulanan pinjamannya dengan sejumlah bayaran yang dipersetujui oleh pihak bank. Kini Pn Ani menceburi bidang lain dengan pendapatan yang agak baik walaupun tidak semewah dulu.
Rasa menyesal dalam diri mula timbul kerana Pn Ani tidak pernah membuat tabungan sebelum ini malah tidak mempunyai dana kecemasan untuk digunakan untuk membantunya di waktu susah sekarang. Malah, beliau telah pun berhenti kerja sebagai kakitangan kerajaan sebelum ini. Walaupun dengan gaji sederhana, sekurang-kurangnya dengan perancangan kewangan yang baik kita boleh hidup secara sederhana. Pn Ani menyifatkan dirinya seperti pepatah “yang dikejar tidak dapat, yang dikendong keciciran”!
Nasihat AKPK :
Hidup ini melibatkan pilihan dan pilihan sememangnya ditangan kita. Kita boleh memilih samada untuk ‘buat’ duit dengan hutang atau ‘buang’ duit dengan hutang. Sebaik-baiknya pilihlah pilihan yang pertama tersebut. Jika berhutang, pastikan hutang tersebut tidak melebihi 40% dari pendapatan bersih seseorang.
Amalkan menyimpan wang sekurang-kurangnya 10% sebulan sebagai persediaan sewaktu kecemasan. Hidup kita umpama roda yang sentiasa berpusing. Di waktu senang tiada masalah yang akan timbul namun diwaktu susah, wang dari simpanan lah yang boleh kita gunakan.
#nasihatAKPK
Nama saya Lau (bukan nama sebenar). Setelah bekerja selama hampi...
Continue Reading >Nama saya Lau (bukan nama sebenar). Setelah bekerja selama hampir 30 tahun, dengan pendapatan sekitar RM5,000 sebulan, simpanan saya masih tidak cukup untuk persaraan. Pendapatan isteri pula hanya cukup untuk perbelanjaannya dan pembiayaan anak-anak.
Suatu ketika, saya berbual panjang dengan seorang rakan lama. Saya menyedari kelemahan saya dalam mengurus kewangan sehingga tidak mempunyai simpanan yang cukup untuk bersara dalam beberapa tahun lagi. Dia mencadangkan agar saya membuat pelaburan bagi mendapatkan pendapatan tambahan. Saya menjadi bersemangat dan tidak sabar untuk memulakan pelaburan.
Tanpa ilmu yang cukup, saya melabur dalam saham yang berisiko tinggi. Saya bernasib baik. Saham yang saya beli melonjak naik dan memberi keuntungan yang berlipat ganda. Selepas beberapa kali beroleh keuntungan, saya mula tamak akan keuntungan yang lebih banyak dan lebih cepat. Akhirnya, saham saya jatuh menjunam dan saya mengalami kerugian yang banyak.
Saya kerugian hampir RM 60,000. Habis semua simpanan saya di dalam bank terpaksa dikeluarkan untuk membayar kerugian. Ketika itu saya sanggup berbuat apa sahaja untuk mendapatkan kembali wang kerugian itu.
Mujurlah saya terlihat papan iklan AKPK. Tanpa berlengah, saya terus ke AKPK untuk mendapatkan bantuan. Kaunselor AKPK menjelaskan bahawa pelaburan memang sesuatu yang digalakkan untuk meningkatkan tabungan, tetapi kita haruslah mempunyai ilmu pengetahuan yang cukup mengenai sesuatu pelaburan itu di samping mengenalpasti jenis-jenis pelaburan yang sesuai dengan kita mengikut pulangan yang kita inginkan. Pada kebiasaannya, lebih tinggi pulangan lebih tinggi risikonya.
Bagi menyelesaikan masalah kerugian yang saya hadapi, kaunselor AKPK telah menunjukkan cara-cara membuat bajet dan aliran tunai untuk membina kembali tabungan saya. Saya juga dinasihatkan untuk hidup di bawah kemampuan agar kedudukan kewangan saya beransur pulih kepada sediakala.
Secara umum, inilah tips pengurusan kewangan oleh AKPK:
1. Rancang Kewangan Anda
2. Berbelanja Ikut Kemampuan
3. Dapatkan Bantuan Awal
4. Berurusan Dengan Institusi Yang Sah
#nasihatAKPK
Seorang doktor di hospital kerajaan berumur 28 tahun yang sudah ...
Continue Reading >Seorang doktor di hospital kerajaan berumur 28 tahun yang sudah berkahwin dan mempunyai seorang anak berumur 3 tahun menghadapi masalah pinjaman sewa beli yang sudahpun tertunggak selama 6 bulan. Pinjaman ini adalah untuk sebuah Mercedes Benz Sport bernilai RM300,000 dengan pembayaran balik bulanan sebanyak RM3,100 selama sembilan (9) tahun.
• Ia bermula dengan satu skim MLM popular yang diperkenalkan oleh kakitangan beliau yang juga memiliki sebuah kereta mewah yang bernilai lebih RM400,000. Kakitangan tersebut yang hanya seorang atendan hospital bergaji RM3,000 telah menunjukkan bukti pendapatan beliau yang melebihi RM10,000 sebulan melalui skim ini.
• Dorongan untuk menjana lebih banyak wang dan berkereta mewah membuatkan beliau tekad untuk melabur dalam skim ini yang menjanjikan pulangan lumayan dalam tempoh yang singkat.
• Beliau membuat pinjaman peribadi sebanyak RM100,000 sebagai pelaburan awal bagi mendapatkan 20 unit sistem penulenan air. Jika kesemua stok tersebut dijual, beliau akan mendapat keuntungan RM50,000 daripada pelaburan awal itu.
• Syarikat MLM ini juga dengan kerjasama pihak bank telah meminta beliau memilih kereta mewah yang beliau inginkan serta menyokong permohonan pinjaman beliau dengan menyediakan penyata komisen beliau kepada pihak bank. Akhirnya, beliau mendapat kereta impiannya.
• Malangnya, beliau tidak berjaya menjual satupun sistem penulenan air, dan dengan gaji RM4,000 sebulan beliau tidak mampu membayar balik hutang. Oleh sebab itu, beliau bertindak secara tergesa-gesa dengan menjual kenderaan beliau kepada pihak ketiga tanpa dokumentasi. Malang menimpa beliau apabila beliau dikejutkan dengan berita kehilangan kenderaan tersebut (bermakna beliau masih perlu membayar hutang kepada bank).
• Masa berlalu dan hutangnya semakin bertambah. Pihak bank menelefon beliau berkali-kali untuk menuntut hutang. Beliau malah menggunakan nombor telefon yang baru untuk menghindari panggilan tersebut. Kesihatan beliau mula merosot akibat tekanan.
• Pihak bank akhirnya menghantar notis kebankrapan kepada beliau dan menuntut beliau membayar kesemua tunggakan selama 7 bulan sebanyak RM22,000 dengan baki hutang yang perlu dibayar sebanyak RM280,000.
• Jika beliau diisytiharkan bankrap, beliau tidak lagi boleh bertugas sebagai pegawai perubatan. Ini sangat membimbangkan beliau kerana ia akan memusnahkan punca pendapatan dan mengganggu kesejahteraan keluarga beliau.
Kini, dengan nasihat AKPK…
• Beliau membuat laporan polis berkenaan kehilangan kereta beliau dan jika ditemui, ia akan diserahkan kepada pihak bank.
• Beliau memasuki Program Pengurusan Kredit AKPK dengan jadual baru pembayaran balik yang lebih mampu untuk beliau.
Pengajaran:
• Walaupun sesuatu skim MLM itu sah, pelaburan melalui pembiayaan adalah berisiko tinggi. Risiko stok pembelian tidak dapat dijual perlu diambil kira, dan jika ia berlaku, kaedah membayar balik hutang perlu dikenalpasti agar diri tidak terbelenggu dengan hutang yang tidak mampu dibayar sehingga jatuh bankrap.
#nasihatAKPK
Apa perancangan anda jika anda… • Berumur 25 tahun, • Buja...
Continue Reading >Apa perancangan anda jika anda…
• Berumur 25 tahun,
• Bujang,
• Bekerja di agensi kerajaan, dan
• Bergaji bulanan hampir RM2.9K?
Bandingkan dengan bagaimana seorang pelanggan AKPK ini telah membelanjakan jumlah pendapatan bulanan tersebut…
• Hebat! Beliau melancong ke luar negara bersama rakan-rakan. Dalam tempoh 3 tahun sahaja, beliau telah melancong ke 6 negara iaitu kumpulan negara Skandinavia, AS, Australia, New Zealand dan Jepun.
• TETAPI, beliau menggunakan pinjaman peribadi dan kad kredit untuk membiayai hobi beliau.
• SUDAHNYA, jumlah bayaran balik pinjaman dan hutang kad kredit adalah RM2,940 sebulan melibatkan 7 bank.
Jelas beliau tiada pengetahuan dalam pengurusan kewangan peribadi.
Nisbah pembiayaan hutang beliau dibiarkan sehingga 100% (jumlah pembayaran balik bulanan sama dengan jumlah pendapat bulanan) walaupun beliau ada membuat perniagaan online.
Apa akibatnya?
• Hutang beliau kian bertambah kerana beliau tidak dapat memenuhi komitmen kewangan bulanan.
• Pihak bank menelefon beliau bertalu-talu.
• Beliau rasa tertekan.
• Beliau tidak menjawab panggilan dan turut menukar nombor telefon.
• Beliau mula menjauhi rakan-rakan kerana malu dan sedih apatah lagi masalah beliau sudah mula diketahui.
• Kesihatan mental dan fizikal beliau mula terganggu.
Apa tindakan AKPK?
• Memasukkan 3 kad kredit dan 2 pinjaman peribadi ke dalam Program Pengurusan Kredit untuk pengurangan bayaran balik bulanan.
• Nisbah pembiayaan hutang beliau berkurang daripada 100% kepada 71%.
Apa nasihat AKPK?
• Pada permulaan kerjaya, adalah lebih bijak untuk melancong dalam negara.
• Melancong ke luar negara memakan kos yang besar sedangkan ia bukan satu keperluan tetapi kemahuan. Kedua-duanya perlu dibezakan.
• Perancangan yang rapi perlu dibuat untuk melancong termasuk membuat simpanan tanpa perlu membuat pinjaman baharu.
• Tabiat menyimpan 10% - 30% daripada pendapatan boleh dimanfaatkan untuk pelbagai kegunaan termasuk melancong.
#SuccessStories - E...
Ini kisah benar! Baca sampai habis kisah pendek ini.En David (bu...
Continue Reading >Ini kisah benar! Baca sampai habis kisah pendek ini.
En David (bukan nama sebenar), berusia 49 tahun, merupakan bapa kepada tiga orang anak yang tinggal di tengah-tengah bandaraya Kuala Lumpur bersama keluarganya. Beliau berjawatan tinggi di syarikat multinasional dan berpendapatan melebihi RM100,000 setahun.
Pada zahirnya, kehidupan En David sekeluarga serba mewah tetapi ramai tidak tahu, termasuk beliau sendiri, bahawa hutang tertunggak kad kreditnya mencecah RM 200,000!
En David hanya menyedari perkara ini apabila permohonan pinjaman untuk membeli rumah di kawasan Lembah Klang ditolak oleh bank kerana rekod pembayaran pinjaman yang tidak baik. Beliau didapati lewat membayar hutang selama beberapa bulan. Semua rekod ini terdapat dalam laporan kredit (CCRIS).
Pegawai bank tersebut menyarankan En David untuk ke AKPK.
Di pejabat AKPK, En David mengaku bahawa sebelum ini beliau tidak pernah menyemak penyata kad kreditnya dan hanya membayar amaun minimum 5% setiap bulan bagi kesemua kad kreditnya. Kaunselor AKPK selanjutnya membantu beliau melalui Program Pengurusan Kredit (PPK) untuk membayar balik pinjaman.
AWAS! Jika anda mempunyai BANYAK KAD KREDIT, TIDAK TAHU BERAPAKAH HUTANG KAD KREDIT ANDA sekarang, atau anda HANYA MEMBAYAR AMAUN MINIMUM bil bulanan kad kredit, anda sedang menempah masalah kewangan.
Hubungi AKPK segera di 03-2616 7766 untuk mengetahui kedudukan kewangan anda malah membetulkannya, SECARA PERCUMA. Jangan bertangguh lagi. Bertindak segera!
