Be More Responsible Settle Your Ptptn Debts Mca Tells Defaulters

---

 
MCA has expressed support for plans by National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) to reinstate travel restrictions against borrowers who have defaulted on repaying their loans, urging responsibility on borrowers’ end.
The party’s Education Consultative Committee deputy chairperson Felicia Wong Yin Ting said it is essential that individuals who have benefitted from education funded by PTPTN shoulder the responsibility to settle their debts, not only to uphold their own obligations but also to ensure that future generations have equal access to the same opportunities.
“Education is the key to a brighter future, and the PTPTN fund plays a critical role in making it accessible to young Malaysians,” she stressed.
Wong said this in response to Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud’s statement that Putrajaya is considering reinstating the overseas travel ban for PTPTN defaulters which was lifted seven years ago.
Speaking during Question Time in the Dewan Negara on Monday (March 10), the deputy minister said the government is looking into this matter to determine if the move is the best method, adding that this is still under consideration a decision has yet to be made.
Clear message to defaulters
Felicia Wong Yin Ting (Image: Sinar Harian)According to Wong, by imposing a travel ban, the government would send a clear message that borrowing comes with responsibility.
“It is crucial that defaulters understand that their actions today could deprive future youths of the chance to pursue higher education,” she stressed.
“If borrowers of home loans and vehicle hire purchase attempt their best to meet their monthly commitments to the financial institutions they borrowed from, why should PTPTN be taken for granted?
“Similarly, if defaulters can afford luxury holidays or enjoy fine dining at premium restaurants, there is no reason to delay or default repaying loans.  Moreover, various options are available for repayments.”
Wong said the government must ensure that the funds collected from loan repayments can be self-generating to be used to support the next generation of students who rely on PTPTN for their educational aspirations.
“The principle of fairness must prevail, and future generations should not be denied the opportunities that education provides due to the irresponsibility of a few,” she remarked.
“It is hoped that the leaders of Pakatan Harapan (PH) will now recognise the mistake of their PTPTN loan abolition pledge made during past general election campaigns, as it has fostered a lackadaisical culture.”
The Auditor-General’s report series 1/2025 previously revealed that 1.2 million PTPTN defaulters racked up an outstanding loan amount of RM10.853 bil in 2023.
Prior to the abolishment of the travel ban before PH came to power in 2018, PTPTN managed to collect RM4 bil in loan repayments. However, since the removal of the ban, repayment rates have seen a sharp decline.
This represents the highest amount of outstanding debt recorded by the education fund, surpassing the previous lowest figure of RM6.348 bil owed by 970,000 borrowers in 2018. Notably, it was in 2018 when the Barisan Nasional-led federal government changed. – Focus Malaysia

---