Kuala Lumpur, Tuesday, 29 June 2021 – The Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) and Association of Islamic Banking and Financial Institutions Malaysia (AIBIM) remain cognizant that the rakyat continue to face financial challenges due to the ongoing lockdown under Phase 1 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).
In line with the announcement by the Prime Minister of Malaysia on the Pakej Perlindungan Rakyat dan Pemulihan Ekonomi (PEMULIH package) on 28 June 2021 and reflective of our member banks’ continued commitment to provide comprehensive support to our borrowers and customers, our member banks will be offering a 6-month moratorium on the installment of all credit facilities (excluding credit cards) for the following borrowers/customers on an opt in basis:-
For credit card facilities, banks will offer to convert the outstanding balances into a 3-year term loan/financing with reduced interest/profit rates to help borrowers better manage their debt.
Under the scheme, borrowers/customers are only required to contact their banks to opt in to benefit from the moratorium and approval will be given automatically to all borrowers/customers in the above categories. Banks are committed to make the process as easy and seamless as possible with no supporting documentation requested upfront for approval purposes.
The automatic moratorium is applicable for loans/financing approved before 1 July 2021 and are not in arrears for more than 90 days on the date the request for moratorium is submitted to the bank.
Borrowers/customers who wish to take up this moratorium will need to contact their banks from 7 July 2021 onwards. Due to the ongoing movement restrictions, borrowers/customers are strongly encouraged to contact their banks through official digital channels such as the banks’ website, via email or over the phone. If borrowers/ customers are unable to use the banks’ digital channels, they may also visit the bank branches to submit their requests for the moratorium. However, they are advised to check on their respective banks’ websites for information on any changes in operating hours or arrangements for over-the-counter services in view of the continuing restrictions owing to the pandemic.
Banks will strive to process all requests for moratorium in the shortest time possible. However, given the possible large volume of requests and the lockdown constraints on working protocols that all member banks are operating under, there may be some initial operational challenges. Borrowers/customers can rest assured of the full commitment by member banks to ensure all issues will be addressed on a timely basis.
As announced by Bank Negara Malaysia, borrowers’/customers’ Central Credit Reference Information System (CCRIS) records will remain unaffected by opting in for this moratorium. As such, borrowers/customers do not have to worry about the impact on their future credit profile.
Further, Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK) stands ready to provide the necessary advice and guidance to both individual borrowers/customers and microenterprises, including options for debt restructuring. In addition to contacting the banks, microenterprises can also request for assistance through AKPK’s dedicated micro business helpdesk at www.akpk.org.my/microhelpdesk. The virtual helpdesk provides free financial advice and facilitates applications for repayment assistance.
Any affected borrowers who have had their requests for moratorium rejected by the banks or are still facing difficulties after consultation with their banks can contact BNMTELELINK at bnm.my/RAsurvey.
Borrowers/customers are reminded to be wary of scammers and only opt in for this moratorium through official bank channels. Borrowers/customers are also advised not to deal with any third parties claiming to be agents/representatives of the banks on matters relating to this new moratorium. ABM and AIBIM member banks do not appoint or engage third parties or agents for purposes of the moratorium.