AKPK expects 800 people to exit debt management programme

The Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK) expects about 800 people to exit its debt management programme by year-end, CEO Azaddin Ngah Tasir said.

The programme assists borrowers to work out budgets that will help them meet their loan obligations and living expenses, thus minimising non-performing loans and foreclosure of houses.

According to the agency, as at Aug 31, 2015, 8,502 people had exited its debt management programme with total outstanding debts of RM354.2 million.

"About 15.8 percent or 19,721 people undergoing the programme are in the 20-30 years age group.

"We encounter financially-distressed consumers who are uninformed about their cash flow, have overspent or lived beyond their means," he told reporters after the launch of a financial literacy programme, "Cent-sible" Choice online game by Visa and AKPK here today.

This is their third year collaboration to promote financial education in the country.

Azaddin said Cent-sible Choice is an online game designed to help students and fresh graduates learn about spending, investing and budgeting in a responsible manner.

Visa Country Manager Ng Kong Boon said he is confident of garnering 5,000 participants for the programme.

"Student players will be given a fictional budget of RM1,000 whereas fresh graduate players will be given a budget of RM3,200 and with different scenarios in making their choices.

"We believe that financial literacy should be taught from a young age, especially before Malaysians enter the workforce. Hence, we created this online game to equip them with knowledge, skills and confidence to make sound financial choices," he said.