AKPK is 100% free. Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit is a subsidiary of Bank Negara Malaysia. All counselling sessions, DMP enrolment, and creditor negotiations are free of charge. Beware of scam "debt management" companies that charge fees — legitimate AKPK services never cost anything.
What is AKPK?
AKPK (Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit) is a credit counselling and debt management agency established by Bank Negara Malaysia. It helps individuals who are struggling with debt by providing:
- Financial counselling — free one-on-one sessions to assess your financial health
- Debt Management Programme (DMP) — restructured loan repayments with reduced interest rates
- Financial education — workshops and resources on budgeting and money management
Who Qualifies?
Any Malaysian individual (not companies) who is struggling with debt repayment. Common situations:
- Missing loan payments or paying only minimums on credit cards
- Receiving collection calls or legal letters from banks
- Total monthly loan repayments exceeding 40-50% of net income
- Using one credit card to pay another
- Salary insufficient to cover all debt obligations
Not covered by DMP: Hire purchase (car loans), Amanah Saham loans, and secured loans with specific collateral may not be eligible for DMP restructuring. AKPK primarily restructures personal loans, credit cards, and housing loans.
Documents Needed
- MyKad (original + photocopy)
- Latest 3 months payslips or proof of income (EPF statement for self-employed)
- Latest 6 months bank statements for all accounts
- List of all debts — loan type, bank name, outstanding amount, monthly instalment
- Latest loan/credit card statements for every outstanding facility
- Employment letter or business registration (SSM) if self-employed
- CCRIS report (optional — AKPK can pull this, but having it ready helps)
- Monthly household expense breakdown (rent, utilities, food, transport, etc.)
Step-by-Step Process
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Take the online Financial Health Check
Visit akpk.org.my and complete the free self-assessment. This 10-minute questionnaire evaluates your debt-to-income ratio and financial health. It's not mandatory, but it helps you understand your situation before the counselling session.
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Book a counselling appointment
Call AKPK at 03-2616 7766 or book online. Sessions are available at AKPK branches in all states (KL, Penang, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, etc.) and via video call. Walk-ins are accepted but appointments are recommended.
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Attend your financial counselling session
Bring all documents listed above. Your AKPK counsellor will review your income, expenses, and all outstanding debts. They'll create a complete picture of your financial situation and recommend the best course of action — this may be budgeting advice, DMP enrolment, or both.
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Enrol in the Debt Management Programme (if recommended)
If DMP is appropriate, AKPK will prepare your application. You'll sign an authorisation for AKPK to negotiate with your creditors on your behalf. AKPK proposes new repayment terms — typically lower interest rates and extended tenure.
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AKPK negotiates with your creditors
AKPK contacts each of your banks/creditors individually to negotiate reduced interest rates (often 0-8% vs. the original 15-18%), waived late payment charges, and extended repayment periods. This process takes 1-3 weeks depending on the number of creditors.
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Start your restructured repayments
Once all creditors agree, you make a single monthly payment to AKPK, who distributes it proportionally to all your creditors. No more juggling multiple payments. AKPK monitors your progress and provides ongoing support.
Key Facts About DMP
| Detail | What You Need to Know |
|---|
| DMP Duration | Up to 10 years depending on total debt |
| Interest Rate | Reduced to 0-8% (from typical 15-18%) |
| Late Charges | Usually waived by creditors upon DMP enrolment |
| CCRIS Record | Your CCRIS report will show a DMP flag during the programme |
| New Credit | Cannot take new loans or credit cards while on DMP |
| Early Exit | You can exit early by paying off all restructured balances |
| Cost to You | RM0 — completely free |
| AKPK Branches | 15+ branches nationwide + video call option |
Important: While on DMP, you cannot take any new loans or credit cards. Your existing credit facilities will be frozen. This is a condition of the programme — creditors agree to reduce your interest only if you stop taking on new debt. Your CCRIS report will show a DMP flag, which banks can see, but this flag is removed once you complete the programme successfully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will DMP affect my credit score?
Your CCRIS report will show a DMP flag while you're in the programme. This means banks will know you're under debt restructuring and will not approve new credit applications. However, once you complete DMP successfully, the flag is removed. Many people find their credit standing actually improves after DMP because they've cleared their debts and have a clean repayment history.
Can I still use my credit cards during DMP?
No. All credit card facilities enrolled in DMP will be cancelled. You cannot use existing cards or apply for new ones. This is a key condition — DMP is designed to help you become debt-free, not manage ongoing credit usage.
What if I miss a DMP payment?
Missing payments can result in your DMP being terminated. If a creditor sees missed payments, they may withdraw from the arrangement and revert to the original loan terms (with higher interest). If you anticipate difficulty, contact AKPK immediately — they can sometimes negotiate a temporary adjustment.
Is AKPK the same as a debt collection agency?
No. AKPK is a credit counselling agency under Bank Negara Malaysia. It works for you, not for the banks. Its goal is to help you manage debt, not collect it. Never confuse AKPK with private debt management companies that charge fees — those are not affiliated with BNM.
Can I include my housing loan in DMP?
Yes, housing loans can be included in DMP in most cases. However, hire purchase loans (car loans) and some secured facilities may not be eligible. AKPK will advise during your counselling session based on your specific debts.
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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. AKPK policies and DMP terms can change. Always verify with AKPK directly at akpk.org.my or 03-2616 7766 for your specific situation. Last reviewed: March 2026.