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KUALA LUMPUR: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and individuals who are having trouble repaying their loans are welcome to speak with member banks of the Association of Banks in Malaysia (ABM) about their financial repayment options.

ABM executive director Kalpana Sambasivamurthy said all 26 members of ABM are ready to offer tailored assistance to anyone experiencing financial difficulties.

To help ease some of the pressure on their cash flow condition, they may consider rescheduling and restructuring (R&R), she said.

Kalpana said, the financial assistance provided may include, but is not limited to, maintaining the prior monthly installment amounts, lowering the monthly installment, or changing the loan's form or structure.

The financial aid can also lead to a longer loan term, she told the New Straits Times.

 "We encourage borrowers to have frank and open discussions with their respective banks on their current financial circumstances to enable the banks to determine the most suitable financial assistance options," she said.

Kalpana said borrowers may alternatively seek advice from Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK) under the Debt Management Programme (DMP) for individuals or the Small Debt Resolution Scheme (SDRS) for SMEs.

She reminded customers to apply for financial assistance directly from licenced financial institutions. 

Do not apply for loans through dubious social media posts, scam calls, and/or fake SMS, she said.

Bank customers are also advised not to deal with any third parties claiming to be agents or representatives of the banks on matters relating to repayment assistance.

OCBC Malaysia, which consists of OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Bhd and its Islamic banking subsidiary OCBC Al-Amin Bank Bhd, is dedicated to helping its SME, microenterprise, and individual customers who are impacted by the rising cost of living through tailored R&R packages that meet their needs.

According to Tan Chor Sen, chief executive officer of OCBC Bank, clients who have come forward have been able to receive the critical support they need to get through difficult times since the bank began offering heightened assistance as a result of the epidemic several years ago.

"I am pleased to say that the vast majority of this group of customers have since resumed their normal repayment obligations. With the rising cost of living, we wish to ensure that those who need assistance are well attended to as well.

"We encourage our customers who fall into this group to get in touch with us so we are able to assess how best to ease their financial burdens even if they only need a simple restructuring of their financing," he said in a statement.

Source: https://www.nst.com.my/business/2023/07/929312/smes-individuals-facing-financial-difficulties-can-talk-their-banks-about