if it is "bad debts", i do believe it is under a court case as well as debt recovering companies. so this is what u need to do
1) check with the respective banks on your status, and find out about the law firm particular
2) talk to the respective bank official for the settlement plan,
3) if bank agree, there will withdraw u from the legal suit (usually they will),
4) go to BNM (Credit Bureau) to clarify your credit status,
5) once u pay off all old debts, ur credit status/rating will back to normal BUT with "defaulted" status.

lastly, put in some FD (if u r financial stable) and later apply for a credit card. make sure u r a good paymaster this time.

within 3 years (usually), u can start applying for higher loan, i.e. car, house, etc.

good luck!