All government agencies must partner with AKPK to boost financial literacy among civil servants, addressing debt and investment scam risks.
CYBERJAYA: All government agencies have been instructed to forge smart partnerships with the Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK) to strengthen financial literacy among civil servants.
Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said the move aims to address growing concerns over public officers trapped in debt and vulnerable to investment scams.
“We will establish smart collaborations. I’ve asked all agencies to do so,” he told reporters.
He was speaking after a public engagement session on board an MRT train from Cyberjaya City Centre Limkokwing to Putrajaya Sentral.
Shamsul Azri has also directed the Education director-general to make AKPK-led financial management programmes compulsory in all schools nationwide.
“Excessive debt is one of the most common issues among civil servants, especially teachers,” he said.
He cited poor understanding of financial risk, financial strain and pressure to meet spousal expectations as contributing factors.
“Sometimes it’s hardship, sometimes it’s the demands of the spouse. We will expand AKPK modules to address these issues,” he added.
Prior to this, the Public Service director-general reminded federal and state department heads to monitor their officers’ debt levels.
This is to prevent them from falling into unmanageable financial distress, which could affect work performance.
Civil servants with debts amounting to 10 times their monthly salary may face disciplinary action under existing regulations. – Bernama
