Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is AKPK?
AKPK is an agency set up by Bank Negara to Malaysiato provide:-
• counselling and advice on financial management,
• debt management program,
• financial education.
2. What are the objectives of establishing the agency?
The objectives of establishing AKPK are:-
• to ensure that the household sectors continue to be resilient by providing an avenue for individual borrowers and potential borrowers to seek advice and assistance in managing their credit;
• to promote sound and robust banking system by facilitating debt repayment efforts and minimizing incidence of non-payment arising from bad debt management.
3. What kind of services does the agency provides?
AKPK provides the following services:-
i. Financial Education
• Educational programs and materials, particularly on how to use your credit and basic money management skills prudently as well as tips, guides and enlightening methods for more disciplined financial management.
ii. Counseling and Advice on Financial Management
• Provide you with counseling and advice on managing your finances wisely from financial budgeting, money management and credit related issues. Learn how to handle debts responsibly and other financial matters to ensure your future today.
iii. Debt Management Program (DMP)
• Work with you to develop personalized debt repayment plans and consult with your financial services providers to structure manageable scheme for you. These plans will help you to repay your debts and regain financial control.
4. Are the services offered by AKPK chargeable?
The services offered by AKPK are free of charge.
5. How can I tell if I need help from the Agency?
• If you are not in control of your money;
• Have more debts than you can manage;
• If you are living on paycheck to paycheck;
• Are only able to pay the minimum 5% on your credit card bills;
• If you are taking cash advances from your credit card to meet your expenses;
• Do not have any savings to meet personal or family emergencies;
• If you have debt collector calling you regularly;
• If you are being served legal notice of demand.
6. Who is eligible to enroll into Debt Management Program?
Debt Management Program is given to individuals who fall under this category:-
• Not an undischarged bankrupt;
• Individuals unable to manage their own debts;
• Must have positive net income;
• Not under advanced legal action;
• No advanced litigation taken by non-FI;
• No loans taken from institutions not regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia ;
• Loan exposure of < RM2 million.
7. What should I do to enroll in Debt Management Program?
If you want to enroll in our DMP, you will have to attend our DMP briefing, which is being held daily at AKPK's headquarters in Kuala Lumpur (Monday – Saturday). The briefing is also being held twice a week at our branches in Penang (Tuesday and Friday) and Johor Bharu (Tuesday and Thursday). This will help you decide whether you want to proceed with the enrolment.
If you decide to enroll, you need to register with us. You are required to complete and submit an application form together with the following documents (where applicable):
• Photocopies of IC;
• Photocopies of salary slips for last 3 months or income and expense statements if self employed;
• Photocopy of BE Form and EA statements;
• Last 3 months credit statements (credit cards, personal loan, housing loan, hire purchase;
• Legal proceeding documents (if available)
8. Can I seek the assistance of AKPK if I have debt problems with only one financial service provider regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia?
If you have debt problems with a single financial services provider, you should first liaise directly with your financial services provider. However, if you fail to reach a solution with your financial services provider, you may refer your case to us for assistance.
9. What should I do when I enroll in Debt Management Program?
When you enroll in our DMP, you must:
• Give up your credit cards
• Change your lifestyle (budget/cash flow)
• You have to make dedicated and prompt payments.
10. Will AKPK handle cases which have already been brought to the court?
No. AKPK will not handle cases that are at an advanced stage of legal action.
11. Does AKPK provide loans to public?
No. AKPK does not provide loans and/or any legal services to the public.
12. Can I approach AKPK for counselling services even though I am not a customer of the financial services provider regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia ?
Yes. You need not be a customer of a financial services provider regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia to enjoy the counselling services offered by AKPK.
13. How is the counseling session conducted?
We assist the individuals through one-to-one counselling and advice where our counselors will provide in-depth evaluation on the individual’s financial problems such as financial budget, money management and credit issues.
14. Is the counseling confidential?
Absolutely. All counseling sessions are conducted in private and client’s record are treated confidentially.
15. What is the role taken by AKPK on Financial Education?
AKPK’s role is to provide Financial Education to all Malaysians. This is to ensure that Malaysians are financially savvy and prudent in managing their finances and debts. We want to make Prudent Financial Management A Way Of Life to all Malaysians. Through the Financial Education program, AKPK provides talks and briefings on the proper use of credit cards, basic money management skills such as savings and budgeting as well as tips on how to use credit card responsibly and debt management.
16. What are the activities that AKPK conducted in providing Financial Education?
AKPK conducts various activities in educating Malaysians, such as:-
i. Briefing and talks to:-
• Government agencies
• Colleges and Universities
• Corporations
ii. Road show and exhibitions
iii. Collaboration programs with various ministries, NGOs on workshop and seminar such as:-
• UNDP – United Nation Development Programme
• MECD - Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development
• MCCM – Malay Chamber of Commerce
• MOHE – Ministry of Higher Education
• MDTCA – Ministry of Domestic Trade & Consumer Affairs
• NSD – National Service Department
• MFPC – Malaysian Financial Planning Council
• PTPTN - Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional Malaysia
• LPPKN – Lembaga Penduduk Dan Pembangunan Keluarga Negara
17. What should I do if I want to get assistance from AKPK?
You may visit any of AKPK offices located nationwide, such as:-
• Kuala Lumpur – Level 8, Maju Junction Mall, Jalan Sultan Ismail
• Any of our branches i.e. Penang, Kuala Terengganu, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Ipoh , Kuantan and Melaka
18. What is the contact number for me to call?
You may call us at our toll free no. : 1 800 88 2575 for enquiries.