Microcredit Clients’ Financial Literacy Towards Financial Inclusion and Sustainability

Abstract

According to the recent Malaysian MADANI Budget 2023 which has been declared by Prime Minister, it is notable that 7 billion was allocated to help micro-entrepreneurs, women and youth. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the clients have appropriate financial literacy to ensure that the loans can be repaid accordingly. For microcredit clients to have this ability, they should have sound financial literacy to be able to manage their money, make wise decisions, and maintain vigorous spending. Thus, to promote sustainable financial sustainability, the objective of this study is to assess the level of microcredit financial literacy of microcredit clients in enhancing their knowledge, skills and transparency that can lead to financial sustainability. Further, it will also test empirically whether microcredit financial literacy can integrate the cognitive comprehension of financial knowledge, skills and responsibility with respect to financial sustainability. This study will use an exploratory sequential mixed-method research design that combines quantitative (questionnaires) and qualitative (interviews) data. The data-gathering method then continues with concentrated group interviews on selected microcredit clients. This covers clients from TEKUN Nasional Melaka to deliberate on related problems. Data analysis in qualitative research focuses on the systematic search and arrangement of interview transcripts. Interviews are necessary to gain a thorough understanding of issues with financial knowledge and skills among clients. It is expected that the study will benefit the policy maker, microcredit clients and the government in enhancing financial inclusion and sustainability. Thus, the government's slogan "Developing Malaysia MADANI" can be achieved.