PETALING JAYA: To 21-year-old Sharvin Thangaraj, free higher education isn’t just a policy – it’s hope.
Like many others from lower-income families, the Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) student believes the initiative could level the playing field for thousands who dream of earning a degree but are held back by the cost.
Yesterday, the government announced that underprivileged students from household with income below RM2,700 can pursue free education at public universities via the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN).
Sharvin, who is UUM’s Student Representative Council honorary treasurer said the initiative reduces the financial burden on B40 and M40 students and also strengthens access to higher education as a tool for social mobility.
“It encourages students to strive for academic excellence while ensuring that no deserving student is left behind due to financial constraints,” he said.
However, he added, it is equally important to ensure transparent implementation and adequate outreach so that all eligible students, especially those in rural areas, can fully benefit from this initiative.
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman graduate Subanan Gajendran, 25, echoed this sentiment, calling the government’s decision to offer underprivileged students at public universities free education via PTPTN a significant step in ensuring poverty does not block access to education.
“This directly tackles the biggest barrier to education for the truly underprivileged,” he said, adding that it is an investment in human capital for the country’s future.
Nurul Imanina Mohamed Shafiee, 25, said the loan exemption should be for all low and middle-class students, regardless of whether they graduate from a private or public higher learning institution.
“Achieving first-class honours reflects outstanding academic excellence, and such recognition should serve as a fair reward for their hard work and dedication, whether they studied in a public or private institution,” said the graduate.
“It can help improve social mobility and long-term economic equality,” she said.
