THE Higher Education Ministry today denied allegations that its stringent condition on loans and scholarships is a factor why students that completed their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) chose not to further their education.

Its minister, Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the ministry has introduced various initiatives such as the Malaysia Family Eldest Student Development programme (Sulung) which assists students from B40 families with full tuition fee waivers at all public universities.

He said loan facilities under the National Higher Education Fund Corporation were based on the income of the parents.

“The reason why school leavers did not go to higher education institutions is probably because they did not pass and not due to strict scholarship or loan conditions. 

“They may have applied or chosen a subject that does not suit their qualifications, students need to enter higher education institutions first and then see if they can get a loan,” he said at a press conference after his working visit to the Ibrahim Sultan Polytechnic, in Johor Baru today .

He said this when asked to comment on a student association’s claim that the strict conditions imposed on scholarship or loan applications were a factor that caused many school leavers to choose not to continue their studies at higher education institutions.

Universiti Malaya Student Union president Nur Nazirah Abdullah was reported as saying that the main factor for school leavers not wanting to continue their studies is the lack of financial resources, and recommended that the government implements more financial aid initiatives or create a plan that provides financial security to students.

Meanwhile when asked to comment on the admission of Rohingya refugee students at higher education institutions, Khaled reiterated that the admission is only for those who are qualified and able to pay for their studies.

He said Malaysia is a country that has many international students and refugees are no exception. – Bernama, June 22, 2023.