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Buy Now, Pay Later schemes may turn into debt traps

Non-Malays encouraged to join army

less sensitive to the symbols of the nation, thus affecting the image of the country in the eyes of the local and international community. He said such attitudes could weaken national identity and erode patriotic spirit among the young generation. To address this, Lyndon proposed strengthening patriotic education from the school level through history and civics lessons, while using mass media, community programmes and national month celebrations to foster love for the nation. – Bernama constructive programmes. He added that true independence is not just freedom from foreign colonisation, but also freedom from mental colonisation, freedom from hatred, envy and division. “We could also use this opportunity to convey the spirit of independence to the younger generation.“ – Bernama SEREMBAN: Non-Malays are being encouraged to join the Armed Forces to strengthen national defence while building a disciplined and promising career. Negeri Sembilan Armed Forces Indian Veterans Association chairman Mejar (Rtd) K. Ranney said joining the army not only builds resilience and identity, but also offers opportunities in diverse career fields, including technical, logistics, medical and engineering. “The army has three branches, the Armed Forces, Royal Malaysian Navy and Royal Malaysian Air Force. Within the army, there are more than 17 career specialisations, and the same applies to the other branches. “Many think joining the military means going to war. While training is provided for combat, the roles you take on may not involve going into the jungle. The scope is much broader, covering a range of expertise,” she told Bernama after a Warriors’ Day memorial ceremony at the Seremban War Memorial yesterday. Also present were State Tourism, Arts and Culture Committee chairman Nicole L.K. Tan and more than 50 veterans from the Chinese and Indian communities, including Sikhs. “Joining the Armed Forces is not easy. It requires sacrifice. Training is tough and demands strong willpower. But the satisfaction upon completing it is indescribable,” she said, adding that efforts are being undertaken to encourage participation. She also said the inaugural memorial ceremony was held to honour the sacrifices of national heroes who defended the country and fought for independence.

platforms should meet the same standards as conventional credit providers, with clear disclosure of all fees, capped late charges and repayment suspensions during disputes. He also called for stronger financial literacy campaigns, starting in schools and reinforced through public awareness drives, adding that BNPL platforms could send repayment reminders before purchases are confirmed. “BNPL is still a form of credit, not free money. Consumers should only use it if they are certain they can repay on time. Keep track of all commitments and avoid (overspending). The key is moderation and awareness.”

which repayments continue despite complaints. “Some platforms market BNPL by stressing convenience while downplaying the risks. Phrases such as ‘zero interest’ or ‘pay later’ are highlighted, but the consequences of non-payment are far less visible.” He said BNPL could create a false sense of affordability, encouraging overspending, especially when multiple BNPL services are used at once. Saravanan said Fomca supports the government’s plan to introduce affordability checks under the upcoming Consumer Credit Act 2025 but stressed enforcement must be robust. He also said e-commerce

“In recent years, we have seen various mistakes made by our people when using the flag. “For example, flying it upside down, darkening its colours and displaying flags with the wrong (features). “When such errors occur, they reflect the identity of Malaysians themselves.” She added that the improper display of the flag could tarnish the country’s image. She also said although there is no specific constitutional provision on national symbols, government option if both buyers and sellers understand the terms, but warned it often fuels impulse buying, especially when driven by online shopping trends and social media promotions. He also said e-commerce and social media platforms offering BNPL should be held to the same regulatory standards as licensed credit providers under the Consumer Credit Act. “We need a dedicated government agency to monitor BNPL and ensure buyers are not shut out of future loans due to debt burdens.” Nanthakumar said late fees are common when it comes to missed payments and in some cases, debt collectors get involved. Defaulters risk being blacklisted, making future credit harder to secure. The Consumer Credit Commission (CCC) is expected to oversee BNPL practices, including interest rates, currently ranging from 15% to 25% annually, and enforce greater transparency. The CCC aims to protect consumers through civil action and criminal prosecution. He also suggested creating a government online portal where consumers could verify BNPL providers and lodge complaints, to stop sellers imposing hidden or unauthorised terms. Meanwhile, the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) voiced similar concerns. Its CEO Dr Saravanan Thambirajah said the organisation is seeing more complaints and enquiries about BNPL services. He highlighted recurring problems such as consumers misunderstanding repayment structures, leading to late fees and unexpected charges, and disputes over faulty or undelivered goods on

o Risks lie in low awareness as option represents form of credit, not free money

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

dissatisfaction or discontent with the country is not a licence or permit to insult the national flag, said legal and constitutional expert Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Shamrahayu A. Aziz. She said public awareness on the correct use of the Jalur Gemilang must be strengthened. She also said adults must serve as role models for the young, as reflected in the saying “ bapa borek, anak rintik ”, adding that good practices in handling and displaying the flag would become a legacy for future generations. PETALING JAYA: Low financial literacy and a lack of transparency in Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) schemes could trap Malaysians, particularly young adults, in short-term debt with long-term consequences, said Universiti Teknologi Malaysia management faculty associate professor Dr Nanthakumar Loganathan. “Many believe there is no interest at the start, but hidden charges, fees and terms are often overlooked,” he said, adding that individuals are drawn to BNPL for household purchases but risk compromising their monthly budgets. In the first half of 2025, Malaysians made more than 102 million BNPL transactions worth RM9.3 billion, a 31% jump from 2024. Finance Deputy Minister Lim Hui Ying was quoted as saying consumers aged 30 and below accounted for 40% of the transactions. As of June, outstanding BNPL debt stood at RM3.8 billion (0.2% of household debt), with RM121.8 million overdue. A 2024 Consumer Credit Oversight Board Task Force survey found 88% of users paid on time, 12% paid late but in full and less than 0.5% defaulted. He said BNPL can be a useful

Nanthakumar said BNPL could fuel impulse buying, especially when driven by online shopping trends and social media promotions. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

Treat Jalur Gemilang with respect, public urged KUALA LUMPUR: Any guidelines regarding

throughout the year. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Centre for Development, Social and Environmental Studies chairman Prof Dr Novel Lyndon said the act of flying the national flag reflects a person’s level of respect and love for the country. “This act is a symbol of patriotism that appreciates the services of freedom fighters and the history of building a sovereign nation.“ He said the act of hoisting a flag that is worn, torn or not in accordance with the rules gives the impression that some people are Disantuni”, is deep in meaning. He said the theme returns to the fundamentals, which is building a country that cares for its people, respects differences and upholds noble values in its administration. He also said this historic month should be used to enliven the National Day celebration with

the Jalur Gemilang should be more widely publicised, and if offences become frequent, formal regulations could be developed based on the principles of the Rukun Negara and the Federal Constitution. Shamrahayu emphasised that the Jalur Gemilang is not just a piece of coloured cloth, but a symbol of national sovereignty. She urged Malaysians to understand the meaning behind each colour and symbol and to fly the flag with pride, not only during Merdeka celebrations, but

Pahang MB encourages flying of national, state flags ROMPIN: Residents across Pahang should decorate their premises and homes with the Jalur Gemilang and the state flag as a symbol of patriotism and love for the country, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail. history, with each colour, stripe and star carrying a specific meaning. “Let’s fly the Jalur Gemilang at every house, school, office, shop and on main roads. Let the Jalur Gemilang and the Pahang flag fly proudly, waving from the end of Kampung Raja Cameron Highlands to Pulau Tioman, conveying our message of love for the homeland.” He was speaking at the National Month and Flying of the Jalur Gemilang 2025 launch ceremony at Dataran Muadzam Shah here on Saturday. Wan Rosdy said the National Day celebration, which carries the theme “Malaysia Madani: Rakyat He said this is because the national flag and the state flag represent