<\/span><\/h2>\nThe confusion likely arises from the incredibly technical language used in the announcements, which may not be immediately understandable for a layperson.<\/p>\n
The good thing is, if you have opted into the moratorium in April, you can still opt out of it if you change your mind.<\/p>\n
With the latest changes, opting-in to the moratorium (which may require you to sign a consent to do so) seems to be the best option.<\/p>\n
Example:<\/strong><\/p>\nYou have a hire purchase loan with the following details:<\/p>\n\n
\n\n\n\tCar loan amount<\/td> | RM60,000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n\tInterest rate<\/td> | 2.71% per annum<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n\tInitial loan tenure<\/td> | 5 years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n\tTotal interest paid over loan tenure<\/td> | RM8,130<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n\tTotal payments made to date<\/td> | 24<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n\tEnd date for the loan<\/td> | May 2023<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n<\/span>Option #1 Opt-out of the moratorium<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nIf your finances allow you, you can consider opting out of the moratorium. Some banks may require you to provide consent to opt-in to the moratorium. This requirement differs from bank to bank.<\/p>\n According to BNM, even if you have opted-in in April, you can still opt-out with no penalty in May.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s how the repayment schedule will look like in this option:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
In this option:<\/p>\n\n \n\n\n\tTotal interest paid over loan tenure<\/td> | RM8,130<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n\tAdditional interest incurred<\/td> | RM0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n\tThe end date of the loan<\/td> | No change<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\nVerdict<\/div> This is the most straightforward option, but not necessarily the best option. If your finances allow and you want to keep it simple, you can opt for this option. <\/div><\/div>\n <\/span>Option #2: Take the loan moratorium, but pay it off in a lump sum<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nWith the latest changes, opting in for the moratorium comes with a lot of benefits. There will be no accrued charges whether you decide to pay off in one lump sum or resume your instalment at your usual amount. However, paying off the deferred amount in a lump sum may not be a palatable option for some people as it requires the individual to fork out a large amount of cash upfront at the end of the moratorium.<\/p>\n You can make the money you saved from not paying your car loan work harder for you by putting it in a high-interest account such as a Fixed Deposit account.<\/p>\n If your finances allow, this can be the best option for you. Here\u2019s how.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Note: The total payable amount of RM7,949 is made up of 6 months’ repayments which were deferred and October’s repayment.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\nAssuming you deposit the monthly repayment amount of RM1,135.50 to a Fixed Deposit account every month for 6 months, here\u2019s how much you can potentially make:<\/p>\n\n \n\n\n\tFixed\/Term Deposit Interest Rate<\/td> | 2.60% per annum <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n\tTotal deposited<\/td> | RM6,813.00 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n\tTotal earned<\/td> | RM51.85<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\nBased on MBSB\u2019s Term Deposit-i rate 6-month rate of 2.60% per annum<\/font><\/i><\/span>\n\n <\/p>\n Verdict<\/div> Although the amount earned is not huge, but every cent counts now especially in this time of uncertainties. It\u2019s better to save the cash in a more liquid fixed\/term deposit and earn a little bonus at the end of the 6 months. Of course, this may not be possible for everyone, but it is the best option if you can afford to do so. With this option, your loan tenure will not be extended as well.<\/div><\/div>\n <\/span>Option #3: Take the loan moratorium and extend loan tenure by 6 months<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nThis is possibly the most popular option, especially for those who are impacted economically during this time. With the latest announcement from the Finance Minister, this is a great option as you get to conserve your cash flow and yet not incur any additional interest.<\/p>\n This means you will not have to make any monthly repayment during the moratorium period and maintain the same repayment after the moratorium. However, your loan tenure will extend for 6 months but there will be no additional interest accrued.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s how the repayment schedule will look like in this option:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
In this option:<\/p>\n\n \n\n\n\tTotal interest prior to moratorium<\/td> | RM8,130 <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n\tThe end date of the loan<\/td> | November 2023<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\nVerdict<\/div> This option under the moratorium is meant to help with your cash flow in the event your income is affected during this period. It doesn’t incur additional interest but it will take longer for you to settle your loan.<\/div><\/div>\n <\/p>\n In conclusion, in Option #1, nothing really changes for the borrower, while in Option #2, you may stand to earn an additional bonus from something like fixed\/term deposit accounts, as well as the security of having cash on hand.<\/p>\n In Option #3, which is likely the most common option, you will not incur the most interest but you will have to extend your loan by 6 months. However, 6 months extension may be worth it for the peace of mind in case of job or income loss during this period.<\/p>\n The calculations and options above may differ from bank to bank. Hence, it is best for you to speak to your bank to find out more about the options available for you.<\/p>\n Remember, the car loan may not be your only financial commitment. When you are deciding on which option to go for, consider your overall financial situation and expenses to ensure you can manage the payments post-moratorium.<\/p>\n Let us know which option you will likely go for in the comment section below!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This article was first published on May 1, 2020 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n | | | |