Kuala Lumpur: The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) will continue to assist borrowers to settle their debts via negotiations for more flexible repayments, ensuring they are not burdened through various means and methods.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) stated that PTPTN’s empathetic approach was to ensure borrowers were given ample time to settle their debts, in line with the core value of Malaysia MADANI, Ihsan (compassion).

The statement emphasized that this initiative aims to maintain the inclusivity, sustainability, and relevance of higher education in Malaysia for future generations. The ministry expressed support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s proposal to review loan rates and debt repayment terms to better assist borrowers while addressing the issue of high outstanding debts.

In the announcement, the MOHE revealed that PTPTN’s accumulated debt has reached RM40 billion, with outstanding debts totaling RM11 billion to date. The ministry is currently examining PTPTN’s overall financial position and sustainability to review the loan rates. Additionally, higher education institutions are providing appropriate assistance to students facing difficulties during their studies.

Prime Minister Anwar, while speaking at the ‘Meet Anwar@IIUM: A Special Homecoming’ programme at the Cultural Activities Centre, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Gombak Campus, reiterated the government’s commitment to consider reviewing PTPTN loan rates and repayment terms to better assist borrowers and manage the high outstanding debts.