Maszlee: Statement on travel ban for PTPTN defaulters a 'misunderstanding'

GEORGE TOWN: The statement by National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) chairman Wan Saiful Wan Jan to re-introduce a travel ban for PTPTN loan defaulters was a misunderstanding, says the Education Ministry.

“Did he say that?” Education minister Dr Maszlee Malik asked newsmen when met at the SJKT Sungai Ara here Friday (May 17).

“What we are doing now is public consultation on the best way to handle PTPTN defaulters and not impose a travel ban,” he said.

Maszlee said the PTPTN chairman was responding to a question by newsmen, and it was the responsibility of the agency responsible to clarify the misunderstanding.

Wan Saiful’s statement drew criticism from various quarters, including PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who questioned the need for such a measure.

Anwar said defaulters should be given some space as many did not have secure jobs and should not be pressured.

Penang state executive councillor and Seberang Jaya assemblyman Dr Afif Bahardin said the travel ban should not be considered at all as it was something practised by the previous government.

“Wan Saiful should be reminded that the PTPTN issue was a ‘rallying cry’ for Pakatan Harapan youth in GE14, where we galvanised the youth nationwide for a new formula for PTPTN,” said Afif in a statement.

“If Wan Saiful is not able to defend Pakatan's promise, he has to re-consider his position as the corporation’s chairman.”

Wan Saiful said Tuesday (May 14) that Putrajaya would have the final say on whether to impose a travel ban, which he added was one of the most effective means of getting defaulters to service their loans.