KUALA LUMPUR: Allegations of repeated suspensions of study loans and monthly allowances by the Skills Development Fund Corporation (PTPK) are baseless, says Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Mohamad.
The Deputy Human Resources Minister said that students with approved loans continue to receive funding, while the living allowance for students has now been increased from RM400 to RM800 per student.
"In fact, not a single student whose loan has been approved has had their funding terminated.
"As of August 2025, PTPK has approved loans and maintains active financing commitments totalling RM524mil, involving 52,098 students and 306 training centres.
"Of this total, 21,947 students have had their loans approved in 2025, and all students whose loans have been approved continue to receive financing and living allowances as usual," he said in reply to a question raised by Datuk Seri Ismail Abd Mutallib (PN-Maran), during Question Time.
Ismail had asked the ministry to clarify why the allowances for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students and the cost-of-living allowances under the PTPK have been discontinued in recent years, a move that has placed additional pressure on students from low-income families.
Moving forward, the deputy minister said PTPK's fund allocation would be prioritised based on several criteria, including high-impact programmes, loan repayment performance, and compliance with application conditions.
Aside from that, he said, it would include appeal and employment placement upon completion of training.
Based on the new approach of performance-based budgeting and the principle of value for money, PTPK is confident that the effectiveness and sustainability of the fund will remain assured, ensuring that students pursue higher-quality courses, gain better qualifications, and secure a more promising future, he said.
"PTPK continues to ensure that every programme implemented is of high quality and relevant to current needs," added the deputy minister.
