Children of military to get PTPTN head start

KUALA LUMPUR: A National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) savings programme for Year One pupils who are the children of military personnel is set to commence this year, says Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

He said it would be a partnership between his ministry and the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT).

Mohamed Khaled said the Madani Education Savings (SPM) programme entails contributions being deposited into the National Education Savings Scheme (SSPN) accounts of 9,355 Year One pupils for the 2024 school session, totalling RM467,750.

Mohamed Khaled also announced an allocation of RM15mil through the Education Ministry for the maintenance and upgrading of school facilities within military compounds.

Serving the nation: Part of the procession during the Annual Parade of RMC Cadets at Perdana Camp Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur. — Bernama

He said this allocation would benefit 29 primary and secondary schools, including a Mara Science Junior College, located within military bases nationwide.

“These initiatives are pursued with the conviction that prioritising well-being and ensuring quality education should be the main focus of the ministry,” he said.

“(They) who consistently stand ready and loyal, risking their lives for the nation, should not bear the burden of contemplating their own welfare and that of their families,” he said at the Annual Parade of Royal Military College (RMC) Cadets at Perdana Camp Sungai Besi here yesterday.

Also present were the Defence Ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak, Armed Forces Chief Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman, Army Chief Datuk Muhammad Hafizuddean Jantan, Air Force Chief Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan, and Navy deputy chief Vice-Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy Ithnain, Bernama reported.