THE Malaysian civil service has been directed to establish a formal strategic partnership with the Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK) to strengthen financial literacy among public servants and curb the growing incidence of debt entrapment and fraudulent investment schemes.
Chief Secretary to the Government, Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, said today that all ministries and agencies must begin engaging AKPK to provide structured financial education programmes to their staff.
“We will develop a smart partnership. I have already instructed all agencies to proceed,” he said during a public engagement walkabout with Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) commuters at the Cyberjaya City Centre Limkokwing station.
Amid increasing reports of teachers falling prey to loan and investment scams, Shamsul Azri, who also chairs the Public Service Disciplinary Board, confirmed he has ordered the Director-General of Education to make AKPK programmes mandatory in every school.
“One of the most common issues involving civil servants is excessive debt, and most cases involve teachers. So, I have asked the Director-General of Education to ensure every school must run a programme with AKPK,” he said.
He noted that many public servants misunderstand how loans and investments work.
“Sometimes they do not understand; many think that when they take loans or invest, they will get returns. Actually, that is not the case. All investments carry risk,” he said, adding that those who lack awareness often end up in complicated schemes with little chance of success.
Shamsul Azri said some civil servants fall into debt or scams due to financial hardship or pressure to meet spousal expectations.
The concern over rising indebtedness was echoed last month when Public Service Director-General Tan Sri Wan Ahmad Dahlan Abdul Aziz reminded federal and state department heads to monitor the financial burdens of their subordinates, warning that many were taking on obligations beyond their repayment capacity.
Shamsul Azri previously stated that civil servants may face disciplinary action if found to be carrying excessive debt amounting to as much as ten times their monthly salary, in line with Sub-Regulation 13(7) of the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993. - December 4, 2025
