Financial Wellness

ResponsibleLending & Borrowing

Borrow wisely, manage debt responsibly, and build a healthy financial future

Our Commitment to Responsible Lending

We are committed to helping you make informed borrowing decisions

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Thorough Assessment

We conduct comprehensive credit and affordability assessments for every application to ensure loans are suitable and sustainable.

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Clear Disclosure

We provide transparent information about interest rates, fees, charges, and terms before you commit to any loan agreement.

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Fair Treatment

We treat all customers fairly, respect your rights, and provide support when you face financial difficulties.

Self-Assessment

Before You Borrow - Ask Yourself

Take time to honestly assess your financial situation before applying for a loan

1

Do I really need this loan?

Consider whether the expense is necessary or can be postponed. Borrowing for emergencies or essential needs is different from borrowing for wants.

2

Can I afford the monthly repayments?

Calculate your disposable income after deducting all existing commitments. The new loan payment should not exceed 30-40% of your monthly income.

3

What happens if my income decreases?

Consider job security, economic conditions, and have an emergency fund covering at least 3-6 months of expenses including loan payments.

4

Have I compared different lenders?

Shop around for the best interest rates, terms, and conditions. Use the loan calculator to compare total repayment amounts across different lenders.

5

Do I understand all the terms and fees?

Read the Product Disclosure Sheet, loan agreement, and ask questions about anything unclear. Understand the APR, EIR, late payment charges, and early settlement terms.

6

What is my total debt service ratio?

Calculate all your monthly debt payments divided by monthly income. Financial advisors recommend keeping this below 40% to maintain financial health.

Calculate Your Loan Affordability

Use this simple formula to assess how much you can safely borrow

Debt Service Ratio (DSR) Formula

DSR = (Total Monthly Debt Payments รท Monthly Gross Income) ร— 100

Recommended DSR: โ‰ค 40%

โœ… Good Example

Monthly Income: RM 5,000

Total Debt Payments: RM 1,800

DSR: 1,800 รท 5,000 = 36% โœ“

This borrower has healthy debt levels and can likely afford additional borrowing if needed.

โš ๏ธ High Risk Example

Monthly Income: RM 5,000

Total Debt Payments: RM 2,500

DSR: 2,500 รท 5,000 = 50% โœ—

This borrower is over-leveraged and should avoid new debt. Consider debt consolidation or financial counselling.

Warning Signs You May Be Over-Indebted

Recognize these signs early and seek help before the situation worsens

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Minimum Payments Only

You can only afford to make minimum payments on credit cards or frequently pay late.

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Borrowing to Pay Debt

You take new loans to pay existing debts or use credit cards for daily essentials like groceries.

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Avoiding Creditor Calls

You avoid answering calls from banks or lenders because you cannot meet payment obligations.

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Financial Stress & Anxiety

Money worries affect your sleep, health, relationships, or work performance.

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Maxed Out Credit

All your credit cards and credit lines are at or near their limits.

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No Savings or Emergency Fund

You have no savings buffer and live paycheck-to-paycheck despite regular income.

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Multiple Loan Applications

You frequently apply for new loans or credit facilities, often getting rejected.

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Constantly Behind Schedule

You regularly pay bills late and have received legal notices or letters of demand.

If you recognize 3 or more of these signs, please seek professional financial counselling immediately. Early intervention can prevent serious financial consequences.

Get Professional Help

Free and confidential financial counselling services available in Malaysia

AKPK - Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit

AKPK is a Bank Negara Malaysia agency providing FREE financial education, counselling, and debt management services to help Malaysians manage money and debt wisely.

๐Ÿ“ž Contact AKPK

Hotline: 1-800-88-2575

(Monday-Friday, 8AM-8PM)

๐ŸŒ Website

www.akpk.org.my

Services Provided by AKPK:

  • โœ“Free financial education programs and workshops
  • โœ“One-on-one financial counselling and budgeting assistance
  • โœ“Debt Management Programme (DMP) for restructuring multiple debts
  • โœ“Online tools and resources for financial planning

Bank Negara Malaysia - BNMLINK

Consumer assistance and education center for financial services

Contact: 1-300-88-5465 (BNMLINK)

Visit Website

Credit Counselling and Debt Management (CCDM)

Non-profit organization providing free debt counselling

Contact: 03-2610 0800

Visit Website

Smart Money Management Tips

Build healthy financial habits for long-term wellbeing

1

Create a Budget

Track income and expenses. Use the 50/30/20 rule: 50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings.

2

Build Emergency Fund

Save 3-6 months of expenses for unexpected situations like job loss or medical emergencies.

3

Prioritize High-Interest Debt

Pay off credit cards and high-interest loans first to reduce total interest paid.

4

Automate Savings

Set up automatic transfers to savings account on payday before spending.

5

Review Credit Report

Check CTOS and CCRIS reports annually to monitor credit health and detect errors.

6

Avoid Impulse Purchases

Wait 24-48 hours before major purchases to determine if it's truly necessary.

Need Assistance?

If you're facing financial difficulties or have questions about managing your loan, our customer service team is here to help.

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