MIRI: In response to the National Higher Education Fund Corporation’s (PTPTN) proposal to potentially suspend or reduce funding for university courses with repayment rates below 30 percent, Miri MP Chiew Choon Man has voiced serious concerns, stressing the potential impact on economically disadvantaged students, especially those from B40 households.
Chiew stressed the critical role PTPTN plays in enabling students from lower-income backgrounds to access higher education.
He noted that many students rely on PTPTN support to complete their studies, which in turn opens doors to better career opportunities and financial independence.
“This assistance is essential, not just to ease the financial burden of tuition fees, but also to help students meet living expenses, allowing them to focus fully on their studies without additional stress.”
In today’s competitive job market, Chiew argued, a tertiary education is indispensable for career advancement.
A comprehensive loan structure is crucial, he added, as it enables students to complete their education and contributes to Malaysia’s economic growth by nurturing a skilled and educated workforce.
Chiew also urged the government to consider more innovative and supportive repayment strategies rather than cutbacks.
He pointed to Sarawak’s initiative that offers a 30 percent repayment incentive for graduates who have paid at least 30 percent of their loan balance and commit to repaying the remainder.
He said such creative approaches could significantly improve repayment rates without compromising access to education.
“Investing in education is more than just an expenditure,” Chiew stated, “it’s an investment in our nation’s future.” He underscored that education enables social mobility, providing individuals from lower-income backgrounds the best chance to overcome poverty.
By limiting access to higher education, Chiew warned, the country risks perpetuating socio-economic inequalities, which stand in opposition to values of inclusivity and equal opportunity.
