Some wiggle room: Pan and Mohammad Alif said flexible terms will help those struggling financially to meet their repayment obligations.
JOHOR BARU: The government’s plan to bring back a travel ban for those who fail to repay their National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loans is supported by two political parties.
While many say it is the right thing to do to ensure borrowers are responsible, others say the plight of the defaulters must also be taken into consideration – especially in the current economic conditions.
MCA education consultative committee deputy chairperson Felicia Wong Yin Ting said they support PTPTN’s move to reinstate travel restrictions against defaulters.
She said those who have benefited from the PTPTN fund should be responsible and obligated to settle their debts to ensure others have equal access to the same opportunities.
“By reimposing the travel ban, the government would send a clear message that borrowing comes with responsibility.
“It is crucial that defaulters understand their actions could deprive future youths of a chance to pursue higher education,” she said in a statement, adding that PTPTN loans should not be taken for granted.
Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh also supports the ban.
“If you can go abroad for a holiday, don’t tell me you can’t pay your debt.
“We have a responsibility to the future generations... this is the basic principle for borrowers,” he told reporters during a moreh programme with Perlis Umno Youth in Kangar on Monday night, Bernama reported.
Young Malaysians Movement organising secretary Brevia Pan Woon Shien, a former PTPTN borrower who had been barred from travelling before, supports the move, saying a travel ban is an effective deterrent.
“I was unable to travel to Singapore, and upon checking, I learnt that I had been blacklisted due to my outstanding PTPTN loan.
“The monthly repayment amount is only a few hundred ringgit, and it is the borrowers’ responsibility to repay.
“If there are no consequences, borrowers may feel there is no urgency to repay,” she said.
However, Pan also proposed that the government introduce a flexible repayment policy for those facing financial difficulties.
“There should be an option to appeal for delayed or reduced payments,” she suggested.
Johor Youth Council president Mohammad Alif A. Rahim argued that the current economic climate makes it difficult for many to meet financial obligations.
“Many are still struggling to cope with the rising cost of living,” he said.
He urged the government to reconsider the travel ban, particularly for those going for work or religious purposes.
“In Johor, there are people who travel to Singapore daily for work. Others travel for religious obligations, such as performing the umrah,” he said.
As an alternative, Mohammad Alif suggested that the government introduce more attractive repayment schemes, including discounts and flexible payment plans, to encourage borrowers to settle their debts.
Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud had told the Dewan Negara on Monday during Question Time that the government was considering reinstating the overseas travel ban against PTPTN loan defaulters.
He was asked whether the government had plans to bring back the travel ban that was scrapped in 2018.
