Saturday, October 23, 2010

Bankrupts should be given a second chance - FOMCA


ARKIB : 22/10/2010

PETALING JAYA Oct 21 — The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (Fomca) fully supports the government’s move to give bankrupts a second chance to redeem themselves.

Its secretary-general, Muhammad Shaani Abdullah said this was in view of the fact that more young people were being declared bankrupts and they needed to be “salvaged” rather than being condemned for rest of their lives.

He was commenting on the announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, in the 2011 budget that the government would assist such bankrupts.

He said the major reason for them to be declared bankrupt was because they over spent using their credit cards.

Perhaps, the government should introduce “money management studies” in schools to teach young children how to manage their funds,” he said.

Muhammad Shaani said adults should also be careful in spending and should not be tempted by offers from companies and avoid unnecessary purchases.

He suggested that institutions of higher learning should also emphasise on soft skills like communications, conflict management, self motivation, time management and leadership to prepare their students for the “real world” He said Fomca was disappointed that the budget did not spell out the measures for a social safety net for consumers in view of the reduction in subsidies and the proposed Goods and Services Tax (GST).

He also suggested that the poor and the marginalized should be protected by providing them food stamps and special subsidies for housing, education, transportation and health services.

Muhammad Shaani said the government should also strive to reduce the toll from all highways as it was a burden to consumers.

While Fomca was happy that the government recognized the role played by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), he said it nevertheless was disappointed that consumer bodies were not given their due cognizance as they played a vital role in educating and helping consumers to make the right choices.

BERNAMA

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