SHAH ALAM: The Employees Provident Fund (EPF), as part of the Financial Education Network (FEN), recently launched the National Financial Literacy Month (FLM) 2024 at Sasana Kijang, Bank Negara Malaysia.
The event was officiated by Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, in the presence of EPF chairman Tan Sri Mohd Zuki Ali, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour, along with FEN members and partners.
With the theme “Bijak Wang, Hidup Sejahtera”, this year’s month-long event aims to enhance financial literacy and empower Malaysians with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to make informed financial decisions.
The FLM 2024 focuses on key topics to boost financial acumen, including personal finance management, risk management, investment knowledge, retirement planning and digital financial literacy with a strong emphasis on scam prevention.
In his welcoming remarks, Mohd Zuki said, “The Financial Literacy Month comes at a pivotal time amid the fast-evolving demographic transition, economic growth, and the digitalisation of financial services.
“As new challenges and opportunities arise, financial literacy goes beyond basic budgeting and savings. Individuals shall be empowered to build a financially resilient society capable of navigating today’s complex financial world, managing expenses, planning for retirement and protecting against fraud.”
He added: “It is imperative to strengthen financial education across all segments of society to ensure that individuals, families, and communities are equipped to make informed financial decisions throughout their lifecycle.
“As part of the commitment to financial education, the EPF along with other stakeholders continue to play a proactive role in providing Malaysians with the necessary knowledge and support in building financial management capabilities for a secure future.”
The FLM is an annual flagship event organised by FEN, whose members include BNM, Securities Commission Malaysia (SC), Education Ministry, Higher Education Ministry, EPF, Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), Perbadanan Insurans Deposit Malaysia (PIDM) and Credit Counselling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK).
Throughout October, FEN members and partners will organise nationwide financial literacy activities to support and drive the Madani Economy aspirations, empowering Malaysians with financial literacy.
One of the key initiatives this month is the FLM2024 nationwide roadshow by FEN’s Skuad Celik Kewangan that brings financial education closer to the rakyat, including financial consumer advisory services by the EPF, BNM and AKPK. Covering over 80 locations across the country, this initiative aims to raise financial awareness and provide essential tools for personal financial management, particularly among underserved communities. These include long-term planning, risk management, and digital financial literacy. Amplifying this effort, participating financial institutions under the Bank Bergerak initiative will leverage their grassroots presence to reach underprivileged communities to deliver financial education directly to those most in need. Special focus will be placed on students from TVET institutions under the Youth and Sports Ministry, the Rural and Regional Development Ministry, as well as underserved communities, including the Orang Asli and microentrepreneurs.
