AN online poll by the Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK) has found that 88%, or 1,648, of 1,873 respondents opted for the deferment of financial repayments under a Bank Negara Malaysia moratorium.

AKPK Financial Education Department module development unit head Nirmala Supramaniam said a survey of 788 people who took up the moratorium offer showed that 48%, or 378 respondents, wanted to build an emergency fund.

“Some took up the moratorium to spend the money on daily essentials, and they accounted for 21%, or 165 respondents. For investment purposes, 16% (126 respondents), for further borrowings, 11% (87 respondents), while 4% (32 respondents) had no plans.

“However, the poll result does not reflect the actual overall situation, as it was randomly conducted online through AKPK’s Facebook page and microsite #askAKP in April and May,” she said after appearing as a guest on Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme last night.

She said the survey also found that financial stress levels went up 35% among those working during the movement-control order period, as the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact left many unprepared in terms of savings. – Bernama, July 3, 2020.