OLEH NORHAYATI UMOR
SHAH ALAM, AUG 23:
The National Higher Education Fund’s (PTPTN) recent decision to reduce student loans has created dissatisfaction among affected students and their families.
PTPTN Chairman Datuk Shamsul Anuar Nasarah made a announcement stating that the fund was unable to provide full loans due to the low loan repayment rate among existing PTPTN borrowers.
A survey by SelangorKini found that most Malaysians were against the decision.
Jauhariatul Akmal Johar, a 30-year-old lecturer, said that it was unfair to students who have to deal with reduced loans just because of the irresponsible behaviour of a minority of borrowers.
He said the reduction would affect students’ dreams of furthering their studies.
“It is undeniable that there are former students who deliberately choose not to repay their loans and there are also those who repay, but perhaps not according to the agreed conditions.
“That said, this should not be made into an issue that burdens new students. The authorities should have done something to ensure that these students are not affected by this issue,” he said.
Meanwhile, student Ita Liana Talha, 21, was of the opinion that the loan reduction should not take place during the current uncertain economic situation.
She said that it would cause students from the lower-income group to give up on their education, adding that PTPTN should also refrain from blaming former students who failed to repay their loans within the stipulated period.
“PTPTN should be reminded that not all former students have successfully found jobs. Some have higher salaries while others are just barely surviving.
“PTPTN should perhaps review the payments or the interest because it seems quite high,” she said.
Retiree Rashid Sitra, 66, felt that PTPTN should not risk the future of students needlessly.
He said that parents would certainly rely on the loan to bear the cost of their children’s education and to them it represents the foundation to a good career.
“Perhaps they should consider other mechanisms. There might not be a ‘best way’ to do things. There must be other alternatives.
“Borrowers should realise that the loan is a debt that they have to repay. This will enable others to enjoy this benefit,” he said.
Public dissatisfied over PTPTN decision to reduce loans
