Awliya.
“The government has extended significant support to students through education, welfare and cost-of-living initiatives, but Budget 2026 must go further with targeted mechanisms. Rising accommodation costs remain a burden, and a rental deposit assistance scheme would ease students’ financial strain. PTPTN also needs a more flexible debt reduction mechanism, extending convertible loans beyond first-class graduates to include upper-class achievers. Reviving the Peranti Siswa programme as a long-term digital education investment, alongside the introduction of new Madani scholarships and convertible loans as an alternative financing scheme, would ensure equitable access to higher education. With such measures, the government can demonstrate its commitment to nurturing talent and safeguarding student welfare across all institutions.” – Muhammad Awliya Mohd Fauzi, 24, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Ezzah
