How to check a licensed moneylender in Malaysia

Short answer. Download KPKT's official i-KrediKom app, search for the company's name or licence number, and check that the name, operating address and licence validity match the company you're dealing with. Before transferring any money, check the receiving bank account on PDRM's SemakMule portal too.

Why check first

Moneylenders in Malaysia must be licensed under the Moneylenders Act 1951 [Act 400] and are regulated by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT). An unlicensed lender isn't bound by the legal interest caps or the borrower rights set out in law. Interest on an unsecured loan may not exceed 18% a year, and 12% a year on a secured loan (KPKT FAQ, in Malay).

How to check in the i-KrediKom app

KPKT says members of the public can check through the i-KrediKom app, available on Google Play and the App Store.

1. Download i-KrediKom from Google Play or the App Store. Check the publisher is a government agency (Jabatan Digital Negara), not a copycat app.
2. On the home screen, type the company name or licence number into the Carian (search) box at the bottom.
3. Choose the company from the Senarai i-KrediKom results list. The app shows how many records were found.
4. Open the company's details and compare the company name, licence number and operating address with the company you've been talking to.

A tip from our own check (October 2026): the "Tempoh Tamat" (expiry) field showed the licence number string rather than a clear date. If the expiry date isn't clear in the app, ask to see the original licence certificate.

What a valid licence shows

According to KPKT, a moneylender's licence shows:

• The name of the individual, company or firm
• The registered address
• The approved business operating address
• Any conditions imposed by the Registrar
• The licence number
• The licence start and expiry dates
• The signature of the Registrar or Deputy Registrar

The three quickest checks: the company name matches exactly, the operating address is the office you're going to, and the licence hasn't expired.

If the company doesn't appear in i-KrediKom

That doesn't automatically mean it's unlicensed. A recently renewed licence can take time to appear. In that case:

1. Ask to see the original licence certificate at the company's premises and check it against the list above.
2. Make sure the licence number on the certificate matches the number the company gave you.
3. If you're still unsure, contact KPKT through the official channels at kpkt.gov.my before you sign anything.

Don't go ahead just because someone sends you a photo of a licence on WhatsApp. Photos can be edited.

Check the bank account before you pay

If anyone asks you to transfer money, check the receiving bank account on PDRM's SemakMule portal first. An account that isn't listed isn't necessarily safe. It only means no police report has been recorded against it.

Your rights as a borrower

KPKT lists these borrower rights:

• You're entitled to a statement or information that isn't misleading for every loan.
• The loan agreement must use the forms prescribed under the Moneylenders (Control and Licensing) Regulations 2003: Schedule J for unsecured loans, Schedule K for secured loans.
• You're entitled to one free copy of the agreement and a receipt for every repayment.
• Never sign a blank agreement form.
• Loan payments are made once the agreement is fully completed and stamped, at the moneylender's premises.

KPKT's service guide also states that loan transactions take place at the licensed premises (Buku Panduan Perkhidmatan Kredit Komuniti, section 8.1, in Malay).

Warning signs of an unlicensed lender

• Asking for a "processing", "deposit" or "insurance" fee before the loan is approved
• No office you can visit, only a phone number or social media account
• A company name or licence number that can't be found and can't be shown to you
• Asking you to sign a blank form
• Promising approval without any checks

Where to complain

Complaints about a licensed moneylender go to KPKT through the Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA) at kpkt.spab.gov.my. Complaints about an unlicensed lender go directly to the Royal Malaysia Police.

Is there an official list of licensed moneylenders?

KPKT directs the public to the i-KrediKom app to check licences. Lists on third-party websites may be out of date, so check in i-KrediKom before relying on one.

FAQ

What is the maximum interest rate for a licensed moneylender?

18% a year for an unsecured loan and 12% a year for a secured loan.

Can a moneylender come to my house to collect payment?

No. KPKT states that a moneylender or its agent may not come to the borrower's home, office or anywhere other than its approved business address to collect instalments.

Is every app called i-KrediKom genuine?

Download the one published by the government agency, using the Google Play or App Store links above.

Checked? See our personal loan requirements or how to verify Metro Cashe Management's licence.