Those able to pay and those working abroad affected, says Adam Adli
TRAVEL restrictions for National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) borrowers will only apply to defaulters who can repay their loans but choose not to do so or those working overseas, the Dewan Rakyat was told.
“This is not a blanket policy, but only in situations where stern action is needed. It will not apply to borrowers who have just completed their studies or have yet to get a job, and those in the lower and middle income groups,” Deputy Higher Education Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim said during question time yesterday.
The ministry has also introduced several initiatives to ease the burden of borrowers after their graduation, including providing a 12-month grace period before starting their loan repayment. Those unable to pay according to the schedule can also restructure their repayment up to age 60.
“For those without jobs or an income, the repayment can be deferred up to two years before we initiate the loan repayment restructuring process.
“The repayment period can also be delayed if borrowers are furthering their studies to a higher level,” he said.
To date, Adam Adli said some RM77.5bil has been disbursed to help more than 4.26 million students.
He added that the e-Kasih scholarship will be offered to about 10,000 eligible students, marking a significant increase from the previous number of 5,800.
Some 3,000 disabled students at public higher education institutions, polytechnics and community colleges also stand to obtain free education, he said.
“This encompasses compassion within the Malaysia Madani framework, which focuses on social justice and ensuring no one is left behind when it comes to education. This is just the beginning as more initiatives will be available for the rakyat once PTPTN loans are collected systematically without burdening borrowers,” he said.
Adam Adli was replying to a question by Datuk Seri Ismail Abd Muttalib (PN-Maran), who asked about steps taken to help graduates who have yet to obtain employment but are already barred from leaving the country due to failure in repaying their PTPTN loans.
He also asked about measures taken by the ministry to assist students from lower-income groups who have been forced to take up part-time jobs during their studies, as PTPTN funds are inadequate.
