The arrival of the religious holiday allowance (Tunjangan Hari Raya,\nTHR) often provides welcome relief to workers\u2019 financial stability.\nHowever, this annual financial allocation requires careful strategy to\nensure it is used wisely.<\/p>\n
Financial planner Rista Zwestika, CFP, WMI, advises the public to use\na priority scale when repaying obligations, particularly by\ndistinguishing between \u201cexpensive debts\u201d and \u201cmanaged debts.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rista explained that prioritising repayment of debts that strain\nfinances is a crucial step.<\/p>\n
\u201cI typically use a straightforward approach. Expensive debt versus\nmanaged debt,\u201d said Rista.<\/p>\n
According to her, expensive debt includes consumptive instruments\nwith high interest rates that will continue to erode cash flow if left\nunpaid.<\/p>\n
\u201cExpensive debts such as credit cards, buy-now-pay-later schemes, and\nhigh-interest consumer loans should be repaid first,\u201d she stated\nfirmly.<\/p>\n
The characteristic of such high-interest debt makes it a heavy burden\non financial health if not addressed promptly.<\/p>\n
On the other hand, not all obligations need to be settled using THR\nfunds. Rista views managed debts, such as mortgages (Kredit Kepemilikan\nRumah, KPR) or loans with low interest rates that do not have urgent\ndeadlines, as not always needing to be prioritised for repayment\nnow.<\/p>\n
In a dynamic economic situation fraught with uncertainty, maintaining\nadequate cash reserves or liquidity is far more important than forcing\noneself to become debt-free but losing financial security.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt does not always have to be repaid with THR. In conditions of\neconomic uncertainty, maintaining liquidity is also important. This is\nwhy I often convey the principle: \u2018Do not become debt-free only to run\nout of money\u2019,\u201d explained Rista.<\/p>\n
She also recommended that a portion of THR funds be set aside as a\ncash reserve to prepare for emergency situations.<\/p>\n
This strategy is expected to create a balance between reducing past\nfinancial burdens and safeguarding future needs.<\/p>\n
The THR payment obligation itself has been reinforced by the\nGovernment through the issuance of Circular Letter from the Ministry of\nManpower No.\u00a0M\/3\/HK.04.00\/III\/2026 concerning the Implementation of\nReligious Holiday Allowance Payments for 2026 for Workers\/Labourers in\nCompanies.<\/p>\n
Minister of Manpower Yassierli affirmed that this worker entitlement\nis an obligation that must be fulfilled by every employer.<\/p>\n
With clear regulations in place, workers are expected to manage their\nfinancial rights in a more prudent and planned manner.<\/p>\n
Amid the shadows of global geopolitical uncertainty that has\ntriggered increases in energy and food prices, the public has been\nreminded to spend THR more wisely.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/managing-thr-2026-wisely-prioritise-repayment-of-expensive-debts-for-liquidity-1773291267", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }