THE bread-and-butter issue has been on the lips of many. It has been going on for quite some time. Some are stressed out over it. Others are totally overwhelmed.

We are all in the new economic order of higher living costs. One question lingers. Can we all cope? Yes, we can as long as we can overcome the victim and captive mentality.

We can adapt to this new (ab)normal economic age. It’s seen as disruptive but we can do something with a little elastic and flexible mindset plus some contingency approach.

How capable is our brain in facing the above? The higher living cost will devastate and engulf those who are into impoverished thinking. They will think the same thing every day. It’s repetitive and can be mostly negative. It sounds like a broken record. They may have fallen into bad mental habits.

In contrast, what if we think the opposite? Impoverished thinking transformed into abundant thinking? When this happens, our minds transcend limitations. Our consciousness expands in every direction. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive. We will be strongly inspired and not cowed by the burden of cost of living.

Remember those tiny yellow stickie that we stick on our PC monitor or office table? Start writing. Think of all that you want and all that you can do. Jumpstart your imagination.

Next, take action. Let’s see how others who have taken the first step fare. Folks are driving Uber and Grabcar to earn extra bucks. The yuppies are into investment for the money. The Star Online article “More young investors entering into Malaysian market” (May 3) reported that there was a 36% jump in the number of Central Depository System (CDS) account holders in the age group of 25 years old and below. This age group is the fastest growing band among CDS holders in 2016 with a total of 27,252 account holders as at Dec 31, 2016.

I have seen people earning incomes by selling pastry via social media. I have a graphic designer friend who teaches art class over the weekend. The list can go on and on. Look within ourselves. How can we use our talent for extra income?

Now, how can one install the lockdown on different canals of funds outflow? Napoleon Hill (1883 to 1970), an American self-help author who is well known for his book Think and Grow Rich, which is among the top 10 best selling self-help books of all time, was famous for studying the habits of the rich and famous.

Be a Napoleon Hill of frugality, minimalism and savings. Go to a supermarket. Study the buying habits. Are people buying necessities or the unnecessary? Can we differentiate?

Learning from experience works effectively. Hop onto a bus bound for a kampung. Learn about the simple life of the kampung people. What is on their expenditure list and how do they manage? Go to the nearest bookstore. Check out the books on personal finance. Consult a professional. Go to the Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK) if you need to. The journey of discovery will be an enlightening process. The key is taking the first step. Always remember that.

And it’s time to rethink happiness. Does it mesh well with the reality of living and the current and near-term economic situation? What if somebody told you that authentic happiness has something to do with living within our means? By this I mean living with less and manageable debts, limited financial obligations, delaying buying big ticket items, having emergency funds, etc. These can all be a form of happiness too.

The key is being flexible with our happiness goals. Financial happiness is in our hands. It’s your choice.

EDWARD WONG
Menglembu, Perak

Source: The Star Online | 27 June 2017

I CAME across “The Avocado Toast Index: How many breakfasts to buy a house?” on BBC.com recently.

The article takes a jibe at the lives of some millennials who would rather waste their money on an Instagram-mable breakfast than make sensible investments like buying a house.

Though I am not a millennial nor do I splurge on fancy toasts or overpriced lattes, I had my fair share of financial woes during my late 20s.

My divorce fees were putting a toll on my finances and because of that, I lapsed payment in my hire purchase loan and nearly got my car taken from me when my first-born and I were alone inside the car.

That incident shook me and I vowed never to put myself and especially my daughter in that embarrassing situation again.

I am now quite particular about paying my bills on time. I pay my credit cards dues in full and I have a budget drawn and monitored monthly.

I only use my credit card for payments of which I have money to pay back. The only reason why I use my credit card is so I can collect points that can be converted to mile points for travel.

I keep all receipts because I like to know where my money is going and how I can trim costs further. Now that I don’t have a full-time helper, I am more involved in the upkeep of the pantry and household products. I used to find it odd that I would spend so much on detergent and other cleaning products.

Now that I clean, wash and cook, I realise I save so much more – probably because I use these household products in the right amount?

Even with food, I portion my food produce accordingly so I just take it out for one meal and not have to defrost the whole chicken, for instance.

I am a firm believer in segregating waste, especially kitchen waste, so I feel the pinch when I see good food go in the bin.

I think it is very important to have a savings plan and manage your finances. Some people are great at managing their finances, while some struggle.

How do you know if you need to change the way you handle your finances? Here are nine signs to help you according to Miriam Caldwell, a personal finance adviser.

1. Relying on your credit cards.

Running into the red may happen occasionally but if you find yourself relying on your cards each month, it’s time to identify areas where you are overspending.

2. Late payments.

If you keep forgetting, maybe try to schedule your payments to come out automatically or pay all of your bills all at once at the beginning of the month (I do this and it gives me the reality of how little I have left to splurge on). If you don’t have the money to pay the bills on time, a budget and some careful planning can help you pay all of the bills.

3. Sleepless nights worried about money issues.

When you have a budget that you can stick to and an emergency fund saved up, you can rest easier.

4. No communication with your spouse.

It can be frustrating to merge two different styles of managing your money and many couples struggle with this for several years into their marriage. My parents were the complete opposite when it came to handling finances. Mum was extremely frugal and careful, while my dad usually depleted his resources due to his generosity – trying to assist the kampung folks who almost never paid back their loans. Though religion teaches one to be charitable, there needs to be a time when one needs to tow the line.

5. You don’t have a budget.

If you do not set a budget, it is too easy to lie to yourself about your finances.

6. Overwhelmed by amount of debt.

In Malaysia, you can seek the help of the credit counselling and debt management agency or commonly known as Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK), set up by Bank Negara Malaysia to help individuals take control of their financial situation (www.akpk.org.my).

7. Stuck in a financial rut. Once you know what to do, it is a lot easier to motivate yourself to actually start doing it.

8. You run out of money too early in the month.

My assistant was constantly asking for an advance to tide her over until the end of the month when I finally decided enough is enough. I sat down with her and poured through her bills and told her that she needed to trim down on unnecessary stuff such as makeup and new clothes.

9. Every bump in the road is a catastrophe.

When you are struggling financially, even a trip to the doctor or paying for a car repair can feel like the world is coming to an end. Again, it all boils down to setting and sticking to a realistic budget and to start saving for an emergency fund.

My financial goal is to be free of debts, to have saved enough for my retirement and for all my children to at least complete their tertiary education.

It’s still a long way coming, but setting that budget and sticking to it is the most important step in getting there.

The writer dreams of retiring in her home state of Sabah and living in a sustainable community growing her own produce, and rearing her own farm animals. Catch her vlogs via her YouTube Channel: Daphne Iking

Source: The Star Online | 16 June 2017 

KUALA LUMPUR: Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK) menyelesaikan 13,794 kes pengurusan kredit berjumlah RM561 juta untuk tempoh empat bulan pertama tahun ini. Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif AKPK, Azaddin Ngah Tasir, berkata sebahagian besar masalah kewangan berkenaan iaitu 46.5 peratus berpunca daripada perancangan kewangan yang lemah, diikuti kos sara hidup tinggi (16.2 peratus) dan kegagalan perniagaan (15.1 peratus). Beliau berkata, punca lain masalah kewangan meruncing adalah perbelanjaan perubatan tinggi iaitu 10 peratus, hilang sumber pendapatan (9.6 peratus) dan lain-lain (2.6 peratus). "Sejak penubuhan AKPK hingga 31 Mei lalu, seramai 185,304 individu mendapatkan khidmat bantuan Program Pengurusan Kredit (PPK). "Seramai 580,109 individu yang mengalami masalah kewangan dalam tempoh sama diberi kaunseling. Peratusan permohonan PPK daripada kaunseling berkurang kepada 31.9 peratus berbanding 32.9 peratus tahun lalu," katanya. Beliau ditemui pada Majlis Berbuka Puasa bersama media dan sesi rakaman Raudhah Khas Raya Nasional FM 2017 bersama Datuk Kazim Elias di sini, malam ini. Yang turut hadir, Penolong Gabenor Bank Negara, Datuk Abu Hassan AlShari Yahaya; Pengarah Bahagian Program Radio RTM, Datuk Mustafa Kamal Abdul Razak dan Ketua Aktivis Persatuan Pengguna Islam Malaysia (PPIM), Datuk Nadzim Johan.

Sementara itu, AKPK turut melancarkan klip video 'Sahabat Raya' yang menyampaikan mesej persahabatan ikhlas dan saling membantu bagi menjamin masa depan cerah. Klip video versi penuh boleh dilayari bermula malam ini melalui media sosial Facebook AKPK, bit.ly/AKPKSahabatRaya dan YouTube. Azaddin berkata, video itu mengisahkan dua sahabat sejak kecil, Azam yang dihimpit kesusahan hidup sering dibantu sahabat baiknya, Hadli. Dua sahabat itu terpisah apabila Hadli berpindah ke ibu kota dan tidak sempat meraikan Aidilfitri bersama. Selepas 40 tahun, Azam mula mengecapi kehidupan senang dan bertekad mencari kawannya, Hadli. Malangnya, Hadli ditemui hidup miskin dan Azam berjanji membalas jasa serta menjaga sahabatnya itu.

Sumber : Berita Harian Online | 9 June 2017

Shah Alam: SME Corporation Malaysia (SME Corp) komited untuk melahirkan 12,000 usahawan muda Bumiputera yang versatil menerusi Program Tunas Usahawan Belia Bumiputera (TUBE) Mega menjelang 2020.

Melalui pelaksanaan program TUBE Mega, dianggarkan 37,000 peluang pekerjaan baru dapat diwujudkan yang berupaya menjana RM1.1 bilion nilai jualan terkumpul serta menyumbang RM450 juta kepada Keluaran Dalam Negara Kasar (KDNK).

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif SME Corp Datuk Hafsah Hashim berkata, kumpulan pertama TUBE Mega itu bakal membabitkan penyertaan 1,000 belia Bumiputera berbanding 500 belia bagi program sebelum ini.

Beliau berkata, peserta yang terpilih menyertai program keusahawanan itu akan dilatih dan dipersiapkan dengan pelbagai input sebelum membabitkan diri dalam dunia perniagaan dan keusahawanan.

“Program TUBE Mega ini dijalankan dalam skala besar dengan jangkaan peningkatan sebanyak 2,000 usahawan pada 2018, 3,000 usahawan (2019) dan 5,000 usahawan (2020) sehingga mencapai sasaran 12,000 belia yang dilatih.

“Bagi program ini, RM20 juta diperuntukkan iaitu RM11 juta dari Unit Peneraju Bumiputera (TERAJU) dan RM9 juta lagi daripada Unit Perancang Ekonomi (EPU),” katanya pada Majlis Pelancaran TUBE Mega 2017, di sini, kelmarin.

Majlis itu dirasmikan Timbalan Menteri Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri Datuk Ahmad Maslan. Hadir sama Pengarah Kanan TERAJU Megat Mohd Yatim Megat Hamid.

Pada masa sama, turut diadakan majlis pertukaran Memorandum Persefahaman (MoU) antara SME Corp dan lima rakan strategik bagi TUBE Mega iaitu TERAJU, Perbadanan Ekonomi Digital Malaysia (MDeC), Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK), Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank) dan Nazrol Tech Sdn Bhd.

Hafsah berkata, usaha sama dengan TERAJU sejajar dengan inisiatif di bawah Transformasi Ekonomi Bumiputera (BETR) 2.0 yang turut menyokong Transformasi Kesejahteraan Bumiputera (TKB) dalam agenda memperkasakan ekonomi Bumiputera.

Sejak dilaksanakan pada 2014, program keusahawanan TUBE mewujudkan hampir 3,862 peluang pekerjaan termasuk 2,437 pekerjaan baru dengan nilai jualan RM38.6 juta.

-Harian Metro | 24 Mei 2017

KUALA LUMPUR - Belia dilihat semakin peka dengan pengurusan kewangan mereka bagi menghadapi kos sara hidup yang semakin meningkat.

Pengurus Besar Bahagian Operasi Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK), Nor Fazleen Zakaria berkata, ia berikutan jumlah belia yang menyertai program agensi itu semakin berkurangan.

“Kami berjumpa dengan ramai belia dan berikan nasihat kepada mereka mengenai pengurusan kewangan. Alhamdulillah, mereka semakin sedar pentingnya urus kewangan sendiri. “Selain itu, ada yang ambil inisiatif buat perniagaan online bagi menambah pendapatan mereka,” katanya di majlis penyampaian hadiah pertandi-ngan slogan AKPK sempena Hari Ibu, semalam. Seramai lima pemenang terpilih, menawarkan hadiah minum petang di Restoran Atmosphere 360, Menara Kuala Lumpur.

Sementara itu, Nor Fazleen berkata, seramai 84,948 belia mendapatkan perkhidmatan daripada AKPK dengan 27,287 belia telah dibantu di bawah Program Pengurusan Kredit (PPK). Namun, beliau meminta belia sentiasa berwaspada dengan pengurusan kewangan mereka memandangkan harga pelbagai barangan, termasuk kereta dan rumah semakin meningkat. “Kalau boleh, gunakan hanya 40 peratus daripada pendapatan bersih. Ini kerana, apabila anda ada simpanan tinggi, anda boleh guna simpanan itu jika ada kecemasan. “Tapi, semuanya bergantung kepada kemahuan masing-masing. Apa pun, saya minta belia berbelanja ikut kemampuan kewangan mereka sahaja. “Jangan terlalu berbelanja semata-mata nak ikut trend. Setiap individu ada kemampuan kewangan berbeza,” katanya.

- Sinar Harian Online | 15 May 2017

KUALA LUMPUR: Khidmat Nasihat Persaraan (RAS) akan diperluaskan melalui telefon pada pertengahan tahun ini dalam usaha meningkatkan tahap celik kewangan dalam kalangan rakyat terutama ahli Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (KWSP). Pada masa sama perkhidmatan itu juga akan diperluaskan ke 10 pejabat cawangan KWSP seluruh negara.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif KWSP, Datuk Shahril Ridza Ridzuan, berkata hingga 28 Februari lalu, seramai 27,553 ahli sudah mendapatkan khidmat nasihat dari 18 cawangan KWSP yang menawarkan perkhidmatan RAS, sejak perkhidmatan itu dilancarkan pada 2014. "Bagi memperluaskan perkhidmatan itu, ahli kini boleh mendapatkan khidmat nasihat mengenai perancangan kewangan melalui telefon. "Pada masa sama, disasarkan kira-kira 50 peratus cawangan KWSP seluruh negara akan mempunyai perkhidmatan RAS menjelang tahun 2021," katanya pada pelancaran Modul Pengurusan Kewangan 'Persaraan, Bermulanya Perjalanan Baharu', di sini, hari ini. Majlis disempurnakan Timbalan Gabenor Bank Negara Malaysia, Abdul Rasheed Abdul Ghaffour.

Yang turut hadir Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK), Azaddin Ngah Tasir. Menerusi perkhidmatan RAS, ahli akan menerima maklumat, pandangan serta nasihat berkaitan beberapa matlamat termasuk membantu ahli membuat keputusan sebelum sebarang pengeluaran simpanan KWSP dibuat; mengetahui pilihan cadangan bagi menguruskan simpanan persaraan serta menggalakkan ahli menambah simpanan secara berterusan.

INFO: * RAS ialah perkhidmatan yang diperkenalkan KWSP untuk tingkatkan kesedaran dan pengetahuan ahli mengenai perancangan kewangan dan persediaan persaraan.

--BH Online

Speaker: Encik Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour
Venue: Multi Purpose Hall, Lanai Kijang
Language: English Speech
Date: 07 Apr 2017

Saya amat berbesar hati dapat bersama tuan-tuan dan puan-puan sekalian pada pagi ini - sempena majlis pelancaran modul pengurusan kewangan “Persaraan - Bermulanya Perjalanan Baru” - yang dibangunkan melalui usahasama antara dua agensi penting dalam bidang pengurusan kewangan individu, iaitu AKPK dan KWSP. Usaha ini amatlah dialu-alukan dan tepat pada masanya. Perkembangan semasa yang mencabar - mengingatkan kita betapa pentingnya keperluan untuk meningkatkan kesedaran mengenai pengurusan kewangan berhemat, terutamanya di dalam merancang persaraan dan masa depan. Sekalung tahniah saya ucapkan kepada AKPK dan KWSP di atas usaha dalam menjayakan modul ini. Ini adalah contoh usahasama bagi mencapai matlamat yang lebih penting dalam pendidikan kewangan. Majlis ini juga merupakan peringatan yang baik mengenai kepentingan untuk meningkatkan celik kewangan rakyat Malaysia untuk mengurus dan merancang hal kewangan mereka dengan bijak - demi masa depan yang lebih cerah dan selesa.

Importance of Financial Literacy

There is a growing concern on the low financial literacy level of Malaysians as measured by financial knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. Based on the Financial Capability and Inclusion Demand Side Survey conducted by Bank Negara Malaysia in 2015, the main observations on the state of financial literacy of Malaysians can be described by:

First – the majority of Malaysians have inadequate knowledge on financial matters to enable them to make informed financial decisions, particularly among the vulnerable groups;
Second - a significant majority of Malaysians display short-sighted tendencies and are inclined to ‘live for the moment’ - that is to only focus on instant gratification at the expense of long-term financial planning;
Third - more than 75% of Malaysians find it difficult to even raise RM1,000 to meet emergency needs;
Fourth - only a quarter of Malaysians have any form of investment; and
Fifth - most Malaysians indicated that they will face financial pressure should there be a loss of income.
Therefore, building the financial capability and literacy of Malaysians is certainly a priority for the nation. What we want to achieve is to improve people's ability - to manage money well - through their entire life cycle, and their ability to handle periods of difficulties. Financially literate population - will help to improve the well-being of individuals and households; ensure a sound and competitive financial system; as well as contribute to the sustainable growth of the economy.

Let me explain further on the importance of elevating financial literacy:

For individuals and households - financial literacy has become a key life skill. Those who go through life by making sound financial decisions - will potentially be more resilient and end-up with a much higher standard of living throughout their lifetime, including during retirement. With the right knowledge and skills - individuals can live within their means; manage finances; and improve chances of achieving their ultimate financial goals. A financially literate Malaysian - would be aware of the importance of long-term financial planning and will actively save for the future.
Empowered financial consumers - is an important element in enhancing market discipline and promoting financial stability. Financially literate consumers can collectively influence the behaviour of financial institutions to operate in a responsible, transparent and efficient manner. Financial institutions would be more competitive and motivated - to provide proper advice and offer suitable products, including that can support long-term financial planning.
Successful channelling of savings into productive investment opportunities - will also promote better economic growth. Greater use of financial products; as well as prudent use of credit among households - would promote wealth creation. A nation with a more literate population - can achieve greater financial inclusion through the access and appropriate use of financial products and services. Such households would facilitate in achieving the intended outcomes of macroeconomic policies.
Let me focus on three areas that are relevant towards shaping a better future in the context of financial literacy:

First - long-term financial planning begins at young age and relevant at each key life stages.
Second – on the individual responsibility to take charge of its own financial decisions and well-being; and
Third - building financial capability and enhancing literacy - is a shared responsibility. I will share the on-going collaborative efforts undertaken to raise financial literacy among Malaysians.
Talking about Long-Term Financial Planning

Based on Bank Negara Malaysia’s observation - there is a continuing concern - on the lack of attention to long-term financial planning among a majority of Malaysians. Only 40% of Malaysians are financially ready for retirement. A recent focus group discussion with retirees - shows that they would still rely on their children or purchase using credit in the event of emergency or for higher value items. This could be a result of lack of financial planning when they were younger. Generally, the younger population aged between 20-35 years old - perceive long-term financial planning apply to a time horizon of only the next 10 to 20 years.

Therefore, financial education introduced from an early age and throughout life events is certainly essential. With sufficient basic financial knowledge and relevant skills - ingrained into the younger individuals’ behaviour and attitude - they will be more prepared and empowered to lead a healthier financial lifestyle as they move into adulthood. Financial education from young - serves as a firm foundation to influence behaviour for a more sustainable life-long financial planning. Towards this end, Bank Negara Malaysia, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education - has successfully integrated basic financial education elements into the school curriculums beginning 2014, which will be expanded to all primary and secondary school levels by 2021.

Similarly, greater attention should also be accorded to long-term financial and retirement planning from young, or when entering the workforce. There should be greater awareness on the importance of saving for the future. As most of us here represent employers throughout Malaysia, I would urge that financial education and planning aspects should be embedded in our training modules, including the retirement module developed by AKPK and KWSP.

Moving on the second focus area on - Individual responsibility to take charge of its own financial decisions and well-being.

The Financial Capability and Inclusion Demand Side Survey 2015 – also suggests that Malaysians are not adequately taking charge of their own financial decisions and well-being. For example, with regard to retirement - one-in-three Malaysians are very worried about their retirement. Despite the worries, Malaysians adopt a passive strategy for their retirement planning - such as relying mainly on the government or statutory bodies such as KWSP to fund their retirement needs. As mentioned earlier, many of KWSP’s contributors have insufficient funds for their retirement. This brings us to another question – what are their fall back plans? Apparently, nothing concrete. The top three plans indicated in the survey are:

First - to rely on passive savings, which may not be sustainable;
Second - to rely on children or family members; and
Third - to always continue working.
Most financial decisions are influenced greatly by a person’s behaviour and attitude. Notably, this will require behavioural change from within, which can be harder to initiate but not impossible to achieve. When equipped with the relevant knowledge and skills - an individual would acquire a positive attitude and be able to make financial decisions - rationally and responsibly, for his well-being in the short and long-term. The positive behavioural change includes prudent use of money and credit; not easily influenced by emotions; actively seeking of information for financial product comparison; as well as making adequate provisions for old age.

The third and final focus area - building financial capability and elevating financial literacy is a shared responsibility

Government agencies, schools, families, workplaces and the financial service industry - all play an important role in building financial capability and elevating financial literacy of our population. This is a long-haul journey and requires significant resources and perseverance by various parties. Hence, inter-agency collaboration -providing various touch points at different platforms - is needed to increase the impact of financial education initiatives for the Malaysian public.

This motivates the establishment of the inter-agency Financial Education Network – which was set up in November 2016. Apart from Bank Negara Malaysia, AKPK and KWSP, the Financial Education Network - also comprises representatives from the Securities Commission, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Higher Education, Perbadanan Insurans Deposit Malaysia and Permodalan Nasional Berhad. I believe all members of the FE Network are here today to lend support to this important initiative, and potentially to further boost its impact for the benefit of Malaysians.

The FE Network has the objective of co-ordinating and driving the National Strategy for financial education in Malaysia. The National Strategy - will identify key target groups; define priorities; set measureable and realistic goals; and conduct regular assessment on financial education initiatives. Long-term financial and retirement planning would be one of the key priorities under the proposed National Strategy.

The collaboration between AKPK and KWSP - to establish the retirement planning module is indeed timely and in line with the FE Network’s objective. Today - we have a total of 80 trainers from all over Malaysia, who have completed the Train-the-Trainers programme by AKPK and will graduate as facilitators for this module. I would like to congratulate you and wish to emphasise that you now have an important role - as change agents in creating awareness and promoting behavioural change in the long-term financial and retirement planning, among Malaysians.

We also have representatives from the various government and private sector agencies here today. With such a comprehensive module in place, I would like to urge all of us to implement this module as internal training packages at our organisations for the benefit of our employees, including the younger employees during on-boarding programmes.

In conclusion, it is our aspiration to see a brighter future, with all Malaysians being knowledgeable; forward looking and achieve financial well-being throughout their entire life stages. Hence - it is important for us to shape the future and make a difference, starting from now! On this note, I hereby officially launch the “Financial Management for Retirement Module”.

--BNM, Speeches & Interviews

KUALA LUMPUR - Kerajaan dan Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) akan terus mengadakan program pendidikan mengurus kewangan dengan kerjasama pelbagai agensi awam dan swasta bagi mendidik rakyat Malaysia tentang pengurusan kewangan.

Ini memandangkan hanya enam peratus daripada jumlah rakyat di negara ini mempunyai simpanan sehingga tempoh enam bulan, kata Timbalan Menteri Kewangan, Datuk Othman Aziz.

Menurutnya, berdasarkan data tersebut yang diperoleh daripada satu kajian, sikap dan tingkah laku terhadap kemahiran dalam mengurus keperluan dan kemahuan, perlu dipertingkat khususnya dalam menangani kos sara hidup yang semakin meningkat ketika ini.

"Bagi merakyatkan pengurusan kewangan yang bijak dan bertanggungjawab, kita akan melanjutkan elemen pendidikan pengurusan kewangan di semua peringkat pembelajaran di sekolah-sekolah rendah dan menengah menjelang 2021," katanya pada sidang Dewan Rakyat hari ini.

Othman berkata demikian bagi menjawab soalan Anuar Manap (BN-Sekijang) yang meminta Menteri Kewangan menyatakan usaha BNM bagi meningkatkan kemahiran kewangan pengguna di negara ini.

Menurutnya, penubuhan Jaringan Pendidikan Kewangan pada November 2016 dengan kerjasama BNM, Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit, Suruhanjaya Sekuriti Malaysia, Perbadanan Insurans Deposit Malaysia dan Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja juga bertujuan meningkatkan celik kewangan rakyat melalui strategi kebangsaan bersepadu.

"Sehingga kini, sebanyak 363 program telah dibuat melibatkan 34,000 orang dan 68 agensi," katanya.

Selain itu, katanya, program Pengurusan Wang Ringgit Anda (POWER!) yang diperkenalkan sejak 2011 khusus bagi golongan belia turut memberi manfaat kepada dua juta individu termasuk dari segi pembiayaan pinjaman.

-- Sinar Online

KUALA LUMPUR 5 Jan. – Penganjuran secara konsisten program pendidikan kewangan, perkhid­matan kaunseling dan pengurusan kredit oleh Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK) berjaya mengurangkan kadar muflis peminjam individu di negara ini.

Timbalan Menteri Kewangan 1, Datuk Othman Aziz berkata, sehingga November 2016 AKPK berjaya menyelesaikan 11,935 kes melibatkan pengurusan kewa­ngan dengan jumlah keseluruhan hutang RM488 juta.

“Sejak penubuhannya pada 2006 sehingga Disember tahun lalu, sebanyak 512,000 pelanggan mendapat perkhidmatan kaunseling AKPK. Jika tidak mendapat kaunseling AKPK, mungkin 11,935 orang yang berjaya menyelesaikan kes mereka itu akan muflis.

“Kita menasihatkan orang ramai supaya segera mendapatkan khidmat kaunseling AKPK yang diberikan secara percuma jika berasakan diri terperangkap dalam pengurusan kewa­ngan bagi mengelakkan mereka di­isyti­har muflis,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian da­lam sidang akhbar selepas me­ngadakan lawatan kerja ke agensi itu di sini hari ini.

Menurut Othman, meskipun penurunan kadar muflis itu bukan 100 peratus atas usaha AKPK, peningkatan terhadap penyelesaian masalah hutang mempunyai hubung kait yang rapat dengan fungsi agensi itu.

Tambahnya, bagi merealisasikan hasrat memastikan rakyat Malaysia dapat menguruskan hutang dengan lebih baik, program pendidikan dan kesedaran kewangan akan giat dijalankan dari semasa ke semasa.

“AKPK akan membantu pe­minjam menstruktur semula pin­jaman perumahan, pinjaman kenderaan, pinjaman peribadi atau baki tertunggak kad kredit yang diperoleh daripada penyedia kewangan di bawah kawal selia Bank Negara Malaysia.

“Program Pengurusan Program Kredit AKPK juga membantu peminjam memulakan bajet yang menjadi panduan dalam menunaikan pembayaran hutang dan perbelanjaan hidup, sekali gus mengurangkan pinjaman tidak berbayar dan perampasan rumah,” katanya.

Kuala Lumpur, 6 Dis. - Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK) berjaya menyelesaikan 11,672 kes melibatkan pengurusan kewangan setakat 31 Oktober lalu dengan jumlah keseluruhan bernilai RM476.6 juta.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Azaddin Ngah Tasir berkata, sejak beroperasi mulai April 2006, seramai 492,793 pelanggan telah mendapatkan perkhidmatan kaunseling dengan 164,272 daripada mereka mendapat bantuan menerusi Program Pengurusan Kredit.

Katanya, daripada jumlah itu, 15 peratus berumur di bawah 30 tahun manakala 39 peratus di antara 31 hingga 40 tahun dan 46 peratus berumur 41 tahun ke atas.

“Berdasarkan kaji selidik kami, sebanyak 49.7 peratus mempunyai perancangan kewangan yang lemah diikuti kegagalan dalam perniagaan (15.2 peratus), kos sara hidup tinggi (11.7 peratus), perbelanjaan perubatan yang tinggi (11 peratus) dan kehilangan pekerjaan (9.5 peratus),” katanya berucap dalam majlis makan tengah hari ‘AKPK - Mengumpul Minda Intelek’ di sini hari ini.

Yang turut hadir Penolong Gabenor Bank Negara Malaysia, Abu Hassan Alshari Yahaya dan Pengarah Bahagian Pengurusan Pembangunan Akademik, Jabatan Pendidikan Tinggi, Kementerian Pendidikan Tinggi, Dr. Aishah Abu Bakar.

Majlis itu dihadiri 200 ahli pengurusan kanan dari lebih 100 institusi pengajian tinggi di seluruh negara.

Menurut Azaddin, statistik kebankrapan Jabatan Insolvensi Malaysia menunjukkan 97,215 orang diisytiharkan bankrap sejak 2012 sehingga September 2016 dengan 25,581 terdiri daripada generasi Y berumur 25 hingga 34 tahun.

Bagaimanapun katanya, paling mengejutkan apabila statistik itu turut menunjukkan seramai 1,157 kes adalah di bawah umur 25 tahun.

“Sewa beli kenderaan merupakan punca utama kebankrapan apabila gagal melunaskan pinjaman iaitu sebanyak 26,801 kes diikuti pinjaman peribadi (22,153 kes) dan pinjaman perumahan (18,819 kes).

“Malah, mereka yang diisytiharkan muflis ini mengakui bahawa punca utama kegagalan mengawal kewangan adalah disebabkan kurangnya pendidikan dan perancangan kewangan yang baik,” katanya.

Beliau memberitahu, setakat ini, seramai 1.97 juta rakyat Malaysia telah menikmati kemudahan APPK berbentuk program-program pengurusan kewangan melalui forum, seminar, pameran bergerak dan bengkel.

“Selain itu, sebanyak 18 Politeknik dan 12 institusi pengajian tinggi swasta (IPTS) telah menerapkan modul pendidikan AKPK sebagai sebahagian daripada subjek keusahawanan atau kurikulum,” katanya.

KUALA LUMPUR: Kadar muflis golongan muda di Malaysia adalah sesuatu yang merisaukan.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK), Azaddin Ngah Tasir, berkata berdasarkan rekod Jabatan Insolvensi Malaysia, sebanyak 97,215 kes kebankrapan dicatatkan di negara ini sepanjang tempoh 2012 sehingga September 2016.

Beliau berkata, daripada jumlah itu, sebanyak 22,581 kes, atau 23 peratus, membabitkan kategori dewasa muda, atau Gen Y, yang berumur antara 25 hingga 34 tahun diisytiharkan muflis, selain sebanyak 1,157 kes membabitkan mereka berumur di bawah umur 25 tahun.

"Antara sebab utama kebankrapan adalah akibat kegagalan melunaskan pinjaman sewa beli kenderaan membabitkan 26,801 kes, atau 27.6 peratus, disusuli pinjaman peribadi 22,153 kes, atau 22.8 peratus dan pinjaman perumahan 18,819 kes, atau 19.4 peratus.

"Mereka yang diisytiharkan muflis mengakui punca utama kegagalan dalam mengawal kewangan mereka disebabkan terutamanya oleh kurangnya pendidikan dan perancangan kewangan yang baik," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian pada Majlis Makan Tengah Hari AKPK di sini hari ini.

Hadir sama Penolong Gabenor Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), Abu Hassan Alshari Yahya dan Pengarah Bahagian Pengurusan Pembangunan Akademik Jabatan Pendidikan Tinggi, Kementerian Pendidikan Tinggi Malaysia, Dr Aishah Abu Bakar.

AKPK adalah agensi yang diberi mandat oleh BNM untuk mempertingkatkan tahap celik kewangan dikalangan rakyat negara ini, sejajar wawasan 'Amalkan Pengurusan Kewangan Yang Berhemat Sebagai Budaya Hidup'.

Azaddin berkata, rekod Jabatan Insolvensi Malaysia disokong hasil kajian yang dijalankan Asian Institute of Finance (AIF).

Beliau berkata, AIF mendapati tahap pendidikan kewangan dikalangan remaja adalah rendah, hanya 28 daripada mereka yakin untuk mengendalikan pengurusan kewangan, manakala 58 peratus mengakui memiliki ilmu pendidikan kewangan sederhana.

Bagi Gen Y di negara ini, 38 peratus daripada mereka mengambil pinjaman peribadi, manakala 47 peratus pula terbabit dengan kadar hutang kad kredit tinggi, katanya.

Selain itu, katanya 70 peratus daripada mereka hanya membayar lima peratus jumlah minimum bulanan kad kredit dan seramai 45 peratus gagal membayar hutang mengikut jadual pembayaran balik yang ditetapkan.

"Ini secara tidak langsung memberi tekanan kewangan sehingga terjebak dengan pelbagai hutang," katanya.

Azaddin berkata, sehingga Oktober 2016, AKPK memberi khidmat nasihat dan kaunseling kewangan kepada lebih 492,000 peminjam, yang mana daripada jumlah itu lebih 164,000 peminjam menyertai Program Pengurusan Kredit (PPK), program yang ditawarkan kepada peminjam yang tidak dapat mengawal bebanan hutang.

"Hampir kesemua pelanggan yang bermasalah, tidak kira peringkat umur, bangsa, pekerjaan atau kerjaya mengakui mereka tidak mempunyai perancangan kewangan yang baik dari peringkat awal"

Dari segi peringkat umur, 15 peratus adalah di bawah 30 tahun dan 39 peratus antara 31 hingga 40 tahun," katanya.

PETALING JAYA: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has set up a financial education network to improve financial literacy among Malaysians.

In a statement yesterday, the central bank said it serves as an inter-agency platform to increase the impact of financial education initiatives and identify new opportunities for improving financial literacy among the Malaysian public through greater alignment, closer collaboration and a strong focus on impact assessments.

Members of the network are BNM, Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency, Securities Commission Malaysia, Malaysia Deposit Insurance Corp and the Employees Provident Fund. 

BNM said that the financial education network will work with relevant government ministries, industry associations, consumer groups and other key stakeholders to deliver, monitor and measure financial education initiatives under a coordinated national strategy.

“The financial education network will play an important role in harnessing the resources and creative energy currently directed at financial education across different agencies to maximise their collective impact, while encouraging adequate coverage of target groups.

“This is extremely important to support the individual’s well-being and financial health of Malaysian households,” said BNM governor Datuk Muhammad Ibrahim.

KUALA LUMPUR: Seramai 11,300 peserta program Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK) berjaya menyelesaikan semua pinjaman mereka dalam tempoh 10 tahun program itu dilaksanakan. Jumlah itu adalah tujuh peratus daripada 160,000 peserta program, dengan sasaran 1,000 lagi peserta berjaya langsai hutang mereka menjelang hujung tahun ini. 

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif AKPK, Azaddin Ngah Tasir, berkata dianggarkan 24,000 atau 15 peratus daripada jumlah peserta program itu berusia di bawah 24 tahun. 

Katanya, sebahagian besar peserta berjaya melangsaikan beberapa pinjaman mereka dalam tempoh ditetapkan. 

"Yang mengikuti program ini adalah sebahagian daripada 500,000 orang yang datang berjumpa AKPK meminta khidmat nasihat dan strategi penstrukturan semula pinjaman. 

"Tugas kami adalah berunding dengan pihak bank supaya pinjaman dapat dilangsaikan mengikut kemampuan peserta, setakat ini 80 peratus peserta memberi komitmen baik," katanya dalam sidang media di sini.

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 9 (Bernama) -- Up to 24,000, or 15 per cent of the 160,000 individuals who seek Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK)'s assistance through its debt management programme are youths aged between 24 to 25.

A statement released by AKPK today said poor financial planning was the major financial difficulty faced by its clients, making up 50.1 per cent of the cases received.

Other cases included failure or slowdown in business, high medical expenses, high cost of living and retrenchment, it said.

AKPK Chief Executive Officer Azaddin Ngah Tasir, however, said students were not among the young debtors mentioned above.

Speaking to reporters here today after attending the appreciation event of AKPK's pilot project, the Social Enterprise Literacy For Youth (SELFY), Azaddin said as of Sept 30, 2016, a total of 11,481 individuals had fully settled their outstanding debts through the debt management programme offered by AKPK, and paid off a cumulative amount of RM465 million.

He said to date, more than 500,000 individuals have attended AKPK's counselling services.

"Out of that number, around 160,000 customers have applied to enrol into our debt management programme," he said.

Azaddin said by year-end another 1,000 individuals are expected to complete the debt management programme, which began in 2006 to help clients restructure and fully settle their debts.

AKPK, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank Negara, was established in April 2006 to provide an avenue for individual and potential borrowers to seek advice and assistance in managing their finances and debts.

The agency also provides free financial education, counselling and debt management programmes.

Azaddin said the three-month SELFY project, which began in December 2015, aims to educate youths aged between 18 to 25 on financial matters, stressing their social responsibilities as well as creating awareness among young adults by providing them hands-on experience.

"A RM1,000 fund was loaned by AKPK to each of the 30 groups in three higher education institutions, namely Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Taylor's University and MySkill Foundation, to run their businesses.

"Each group has returned the capital of RM1,000, and in fact, every group has made a profit from the project and donated to charities," he said.

Also present was Bernama Chairman Datuk Seri Azman Ujang.

Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK) berusaha mewujudkan kesedaran dan menyebarkan ilmu pendidikan kewangan kepada masyarakat, demi pengurusan kewangan yang lebih baik dan seterusnya memberikan galakan kepada mereka untuk menyimpan.

Sehubungan itu, AKPK telah mencipta pelbagai kandungan untuk menggalakkan tabungan, seperti artikel, infografik dan juga video untuk para pengguna sempena Hari Simpanan Sedunia pada hari ini.

Kesemua ini boleh didapati di laman web AKPK www.akpk.org.my serta laman Facebook AKPK Official.

AKPK berkata, usaha itu sejajar dengan wawasan serta mandat daripada Bank Negara Malaysia untuk mewujudkan masyarakat yang lebih berdaya tahan di dalam hal pengurusan kewangan.

Menurutnya, pada setiap 31 Oktober, masyarakat di seluruh dunia menyambut Hari Simpanan Sedunia, yang pertama kalinya disambut di Milano, Itali pada tahun 1924.

Objektifnya adalah untuk menggalakkan simpanan dan menyemai tabiat menabung dalam kalangan orang ramai.

Dengan kerjasama institusi-institusi kewangan dan rakan kongsi strategik, AKPK turut serta membangunkan kesedaran dan menyemai pengetahuan kewangan agar menghasilkan masyarakat yang celik tentang pengurusan kewangan.

"Pendidikan kewangan adalah sangat penting, terutamanya di dalam iklim ekonomi semasa di mana ramai pengguna tidak mempunyai pengetahuan kewangan yang mencukupi untuk membuat keputusan dengan berkesan.

"AKPK kini lebih memberi tumpuan kepada program-program pendidikan kewangan untuk mencegah masyarakat daripada terjerumus di dalam keberhutangan luar kawalan, yang mana akhirnya mereka akan memerlukan bantuan dalam menstrukturkan semula pinjaman mereka," katanya.

Penghasilan filem pendek pertama AKPK, Tabung Masa Depan, adalah untuk mendidik dan menyebarkan kesedaran kepada orang ramai tentang kepentingan untuk menyimpan demi masa depan yang lebih baik - sungguhpun menghadapi kesulitan dalam kehidupan seharian.

Video yang penuh dengan mainan emosi ini dijangka memberi impak yang hebat kepada para penonton.

Adalah menjadi aspirasi AKPK untuk tampil sebagai tonggak utama dalam menyebarluaskan pendidikan kewangan.

AKPK kini bertindak sebagai pemangkin untuk memberi inspirasi dan kuasa pengetahuan kepada masyarakat untuk menguruskan kewangan mereka sendiri.

Dengan usaha, inisiatif dan sokongan daripada masyarakat dan institusi kewangan, AKPK menjangkakan peningkatan dalam pengetahuan pendidikan kewangan di kalangan masyarakat Malaysia, di samping amalan pengurusan kewangan yang berhemah sebagai cara hidup.

TAWAU, 29 Okt (Bernama) -- Aktiviti berkonvoi perlu diperluas penganjurannya kerana mampu memupuk pelbagai nilai positif dalam kalangan peserta, kata Timbalan Menteri Pendidikan Datuk Mary Yap Kain Ching.

Beliau berkata aktiviti berkenaan termasuk ekspedisi menunggang motosikal berkuasa tinggi dan jelajah menggunakan kenderaan pacuan empat roda itu juga dapat membentuk jati diri peserta.

"Berkonvoi ini bukan hanya bersifat aktiviti fizikal semata-mata tetapi turut menjurus kepada pendidikan rohani, selain pembentukan nilai disiplin, pembelajaran pengurusan masa dan bekerjasama sebagai satu pasukan," katanya kepada pemberita selepas menyempurnakan Pelepasan Ekspedisi 4x4 Malaysia-Thailand di Dataran Majlis Perbandaran Tawau di sini, Sabtu.

Sebanyak 20 pacuan empat roda (4x4) dengan 50 peserta dari Kelab 4x4 Ekspedisi Ekstrem Tawau akan menjelajah Malaysia-Thailand bermula hari ini.

Dalam pada itu, Mary Yap berkata perkara sedemikian juga membolehkan pendekatan Lautan Strategi Biru Kebangsaan (NBOS) dapat dilaksanakan menerusi kerjasama pelbagai agensi kerajaan dengan penganjur aktiviti tersebut.

"Aktiviti seperti ini dapat membantu memberi pemahaman kepada masyarakat mengenai fungsi dan peranan sesebuah agensi kerajaan...ini dinamakan NBOS saling bekerjasama dan sentiasa berada dalam situasi menang-menang," katanya lagi.

Di samping itu, Pengerusi Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK) Datuk Mohd Hanif Shah Mohamed kerjasama dalam penganjuran jelajah Malaysia-Thailand itu akan memberi manfaat kerana selain dapat bertemu dengan masyarakat, mereka juga dapat mengagihkan risalah mengenai fungsi dan peranan AKPK.

"Setiap laluan yang disinggahi peserta di Malaysia, kita turut akan berkempen di sana," katanya.

Sementara itu, Pengerusi Kelab 4x4 Ekspedisi Ekstrem Tawau Jeffry On Hamzah berkata aktiviti itu merupakan ekspedisi ketiga kelab Tawau selepas jelajah Pulau Borneo (2014) dan Balik Papan (2015).

Menurutnya, peserta konvoi yang bermula hari ini akan terus ke Kota Kinabalu dan akan bersambung semula pada 27 Nov di Kuala Lumpur sebelum meneruskan perjalanan ke Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor, Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Perlis, Betong, kemudian ke Hatyai, Yala, Yothalong, Tray dan Krabi di Thailand sebelum berpatah balik dan ke Pelabuhan Klang pada 10 Dis.

-- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, 20 Okt (Bernama) -- Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK) menasihatkan pasangan yang sudah berkahwin menimbang untuk menggabungkan perbelanjaan dan mempunyai matlamat persaraan bersama bagi mengelak perbelanjaan berlebihan ke atas aset mereka.

Ketua Jabatan Pendidikan Kewangan AKPK Nor Akmar Yaakub berkata saranan itu bertujuan memastikan pasangan tidak terperangkap sekiranya sesuatu berlaku ke atas salah seorang daripada mereka.

"Memandangkan mereka telah berkahwin, mereka perlu mempunyai matlamat yang sama ke atas pendapatan, perbelanjaan, simpanan serta persaraan," katanya dan menambah mereka perlu merancang semua ini bersama-sama supaya memiliki simpanan yang lebih baik apabila mencapai umur bersara.

PUTRAJAYA, 7 Okt (Bernama) -- Peranan pegawai psikologi di perkhidmatan awam perlu diperkemaskan agar peranan mereka bukan setakat kaunseling tetapi memberi fokus terhadap mencapai kesejahteraan optimum dalam kehidupan insan.

Timbalan Ketua Pengarah Perkhidmatan Awam (Operasi) Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam, Datuk Sabariah Hassan berkata dengan ledakan teknologi dan asakan industri yang pesat dalam negara, manusia semakin stres.

Katanya tekanan kerja dan perkara-perkara persekitaran ini akan menjejaskan kualiti perkhidmatan.

"Justeru, pengurus sumber manusia dan pegawai psikologi perlu bekerja sebagai satu pasukan bagi memastikan pengurusan sumber manusia mempunyai kualiti yang sesuai" katanya ketika merasmikan persidangan Psikologi Dalam Perkhidmatan Awam 2016 di sini.

Sementara itu Timbalan Pengarah Kanan Bahagian Pengurusan Psikologi, Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam, Dr. Abdul Jalil Hassan berkata perhubungan yang baik ditentukan oleh kesejahteraan psikologi yang dimiliki oleh setiap individu dalam perkhidmatan awam.

Beliau berkata anggota sejahtera akan mampu menghasilkan kualiti perkhidmatan yang cemerlang dan produktiviti yang gemilang", ujarnya.

"Bagi menentukan kesejahteraan seluruh perkhidmatan awam, maka peranan psikologi telah diperkemaskan.

Pegawai psikologi berfungsi dan berperanan meningkatkan kesejahteraan insan dan peranan mereka bukan hanya berkisar kepompong kaunseling tetapi bakal memberi fokus kepada perkhidmatan yang lebih besar bagi memastikan setiap insan mencapai kesejahteraan optimum dalam kehidupan", tambahnya lagi.

Beliau berkata lapan legasi kesejahteraan telah dikenalpasti iaitu sosial, minda, emosi, fizikal, spiritual, kewangan, pekerjaan dan persekitaran. Mereka yang mencapai kesejahteraan menyeluruh bakal menyumbang potensi dirinya dengan lebih bahagia dan produktif.

Katanya kajian juga menunjukkan pekerja yang bahagia akan lebih terlibat dengan organisasinya dan sememangnya mereka yang terlibat ini adalah mereka yang produktif.

Persidangan tahunan sejak tahun 1995 anjuran Bahagian Pengurusan Psikologi Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA) diadakan dalam usaha mempertingkat dan menyebarluaskan peranan perkhidmatan psikologi dalam pengurusan sumber manusia Perkhidmatan Awam.

Persidangan pada kali ini memberi fokus kepada usaha memantap dan mengukuhkan pembangunan modal insan serta meningkatkan keberkesanan sistem penyampaian Perkhidmatan Awam.

Melaluinya, terdapat empat aplikasi psikologi iaitu Aplikasi Psikologi dalam Penilaian Personel, Aplikasi Psikologi dalam Pembangunan Personel, Aplikasi Penyelidikan Psikologi dan Aplikasi Psikologi Dalam Intervensi.

Lebih 800 penjawat awam terdiri Pegawai Psikologi, Kaunselor Universiti dan Sekolah serta Rakan Pembimbing Perkhidmatan Awam (AKRAB) dari pelbagai Kementerian serta jabatan dan agensi di seluruh negara menghadiri persidangan itu.

Turut hadir Ketua Pengarah Agensi Anti Dadah Kebangsaan, Datuk Dr Abdul Halim Mohd Hussin dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit, Azaddin Ngah Tasir. Dalam majlis berkenaan juga, seramai 37 peserta menerima sijil tamat kursus 'Financial Wellness Advisor'.

-- BERNAMA

This is with reference to a media report on requests for Bank Negara Malaysia to review the lending guidelines in relation to the extension of the loan repayment period from 35 to 40 years.

Bank Negara Malaysia wishes to state that financial institutions will continue to lend to individuals who can afford to take on a housing loan, including for the purchases of their first homes. In July 2016, outstanding housing loans extended by financial institutions continue to grow at 10.1%y-y and totalled RM460.2 billion. About 75 per cent of borrowers (approximately 1.5 million borrowers) with housing loans are first time house buyers.

Access to financing is not the main problem confronting potential buyers of affordable houses. The fundamental issues that require resolution are affordability and the shortage of supply of reasonably priced houses.

The implementation of Bank Negara Malaysia's responsible financing guidelines serves to protect individuals' interests so that they borrow within their capacity to repay the loans throughout its tenure. This is to prevent borrowers from falling into financial hardship due to excessive debt burden that may lead to foreclosures which will undermine the objective of house ownership.

Financial institutions are responsible to establish that borrower's income after statutory deductions, expenditure on necessities and all other obligations are able to meet debt repayments. This is to ensure that borrowers can continue to service the loan and have sufficient financial buffers for living expenses and deal with any future increase in financing rates and rising costs.

The maximum housing loan tenure of 35 years is more than sufficient for borrowers to settle their housing loans by their retirement age. For example, if the housing loan is offered when the borrower is 25 years old, a financing tenure of 35 years would extend to the retirement age of 60 years old.

In addition, increasing the loan tenure to 40 years will further add to the total cost of financing without significant improvements in the affordability of one's monthly instalment (see table 1 and table 2).

Bank Negara Malaysia   I   20 September 2016