Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and the Malaysian Broadcasting Department (RTM) have been urged to carry out awareness campaigns among the people on the responsibility of repaying loans. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil emphasized the importance of repaying loans as a responsibility for all borrowers to ensure that lenders have continuous funds to support future generations, thus maintaining the continuity of financial assistance for those in need.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi Fadzil stated, “We need to increase efforts to plant awareness in the hearts of Malaysians, especially for those who can actually afford to pay. Therefore, it is appropriate for them to carry out their responsibility to repay debts, including with the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), and others.” He expressed his hope that before Ramadan, RTM and Bernama would explore several aspects of the debt issue to find the best ways to remind all Malaysians.
Present at the Communications Ministry’s Monthly Assembly were Fahmi’s deputy Teo Nie Ching, Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, and Broadcasting Department director-general Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman. Fahmi highlighted that PTPTN informed him about approximately 10,000 borrowers who were reluctant to repay their debts, noting that while individual amounts may not be large, collectively they represent a significant sum needed to continue the PTPTN programme.
In addition, Fahmi mentioned that the Community Communication Department has been tasked to collaborate with the National Academy to implement a large-scale programme aimed at raising awareness among civil servants on the importance of high cultural values, reflecting the quality of services provided to the public.
Fahmi also addressed the ongoing study regarding the rationalisation of ministry agencies, as suggested by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, to tackle duplication of functions and save funds. He stated, “We are careful (related to rationalisation). This matter is being examined in detail by Datuk KSU (Secretary General) as well as agencies. It is not time yet for me to mention what the steps are, because it is still in the research stage currently.” Prime Minister Anwar had earlier mentioned in a speech that a proposal to standardise several government agencies would be presented at an upcoming Cabinet meeting.