THE government has no plans to write off National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) debts of B40 students, Higher Education Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin told parliament.

He said based on projections made by PTPTN, any abolition would involve a huge cost of RM42.34 billion.

He said it would affect 1.84 million borrowers.

“However, the government is always concerned and will give priority to the welfare of borrowers by providing loan repayment facilities,” he told lawmakers.

Khaled told the chamber there are various options for borrowers to ease the burden of loan repayments, including being allowed to postpone repayments if they are pursuing further study or are unemployed.

He said the government allows loan repayments to be restructured based on the borrowers’ financial capabilities.

“(PTPTN) also provides some discounts if the loan is paid in full. Loan repayments only begin 12 months after the borrowers have completed their higher studies to give them time to earn a stable income,” said Khaled today.

He was replying to Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (Machang-PN) who asked when Putrajaya will introduce a targeted PTPTN loan abolition for B40 households and how many borrowers will benefit from it. – February 14, 2023.