KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 28): As the automatic blanket moratorium comes to an end on Sept 30, Bank Negara Malaysia’s Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency, or commonly known as Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK), has urged Malaysians to take proactive steps in assessing their financial positions now and into the future.

In a statement, AKPK chief executive officer Azaddin Ngah Tasir said while the nation’s economy is showing signs of recovery, many individuals are still grappling with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said customers who foresee difficulties in resuming their financing repayments should seek help from their respective banks to discuss their repayments before the moratorium ends.

Azaddin said there are various targeted repayment assistance options available to help customers better manage their finances by reducing monthly commitments, extending repayment schedules, and/or changing the financing terms, enabling them to adapt to this unprecedented situation.

“However, customers may also seek independent advice and assistance from AKPK if the bank’s proposal does not meet their overall financial commitments or they have multiple borrowings from the banks.

“AKPK will work out possible repayment plans upon taking into consideration their overall or holistic financial commitments.

“In the process, AKPK also provides financial counselling and education on prudent financial management,” he said.

Azaddin said these services will enable customers to improve their productivity at work and get their finances in order.