OCBC Malaysia, comprising OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad (OCBC Bank) and its Islamic banking subsidiary OCBC Al-Amin Bank Berhad (OCBC Al-Amin), is committed to assisting its SME, microenterprise and individual customers affected by the rising cost of living through customised rescheduling and restructuring packages that meet their needs.

Personal banking customers may apply for such customised assistance by calling a dedicated hotline 03-8317 5011, while SME and microenterprise customers may call 03-8317 5200. The lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm.

OCBC Bank CEO Mr Tan Chor Sen reiterated the Bank’s call for its customers not to hesitate but to come forward to let the Bank know if they continue to need financing assistance due to the rising cost of living.

“Since we first started providing heightened assistance due to the pandemic several years ago, customers who have come forward have been able to gain the much-needed support to tide them through the challenging times. I am pleased to say that the vast majority of this group of customers have since resumed their normal repayment obligations. With the rising cost of living, we wish to ensure that those who need assistance are well attended to as well. We encourage our customers who fall into this group to get in touch with us so we are able to assess how best to ease their financial burdens even if they only need a simple restructuring of their financing.”

He added that OCBC Malaysia has made its relief packages for customers affected by floods a permanent fixture. With this, its individual, microenterprise, SME, commercial and corporate customers whose properties are in flood impacted areas as declared by the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) need only to get in touch with the Bank to discuss the most appropriate relief or restructuring measures in relation to their existing loans or financing schemes. All requests will then be prioritised and attended to on a case-by-case basis with a view to determining what works best for the customer.

Individuals and SME/microenterprise customers may call the same dedicated lines stated above whenever NADMA makes the relevant declaration. The lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Corporate and commercial banking customers should call their respective relationship managers.

Mr Tan said the Bank is committed to taking a long-term view of things in keeping with its value system.

“Flash floods have been occurring with increasing frequency in recent times and we have decided to set up the necessary protocols on a permanent basis so our customers know that when a flood disaster strikes, they have someone to turn to for support. We are putting out this call during non-turbulent times – when we are not experiencing the immediate devastation of floods - so that our customers can make a mental note that when they need support, we will be there for them,” he said.

Among the packages that are typically offered to home and personal loan/financing and credit cards customers during NADMA-declared flood situations are deferments of monthly instalments for six months with no change in financing tenure.

For further details, please visit www.ocbc.com.my