Bernama.com
Business October 30, 2008 22:04 PM
 
AKPK Expects Increase In Cases Involving Financially-distressed Individuals Next Year


KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- The Credit Counselling and Debt Management Services Agency (AKPK), established by Bank Negara Malaysia, expects a rise in the number of cases involving financially-distressed individuals by early next year due to the current global economic crisis.

The chief executive officer of AKPK, Mohamed Akwal Sultan said in view of the economic crisis which has hit Malaysia, there is an anticipated impact on the number of people seeking assistance in debt management and counselling.

According to Mohamed Akwal, findings also indicate that the bulk of the cases would involve credit card related issues.

"We also have a fair amount of default on hire purchase loans and housing loans," Mohamed Akwal said during a press conference following the launch of AKPK's own TV drama called RM.

RM is a 13-episode drama in Bahasa Malaysia to be screened every Monday night at 9pm on RTM2, beginning Nov 3.

The 30-minute episodes will highlight real life experiences of financially distressed individuals from diverse backgrounds based on real life cases that have been dealt with by the AKPK.

"Since inception, more than 64,000 individuals have sought the free credit counselling and debt management services provided by AKPK," Mohamed Akwal said.

According to Mohamed Akwal, the debt management programme and counselling cases had also increased to 32,029 cases as of Sept 30 this year from the 25,320 cases for the corresponding period in 2007.

Mohamed Akwal said the drama series would also boost awareness among the Malaysian public on prudent financial management as well AKPK's role in assisting individuals with financial counselling and advice on debt management.

-- BERNAMA
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