As of September this year, the total outstanding debt recorded by the National Higher Education Fund (PTPTN) has reached RM11.32 billion, involving more than 1.25 million borrowers who have yet to repay their debts.
The agency's chairman, Datuk Seri Norliza Abdul Rahim, stated that this situation requires high attention from all parties, as it may affect the fund's ability to continue providing educational loans to the next generation.
“Every repayment from borrowers is an investment in the nation's educational future.
“These funds are allocated every year to over 450,000 current borrowers and 150,000 new borrowers, especially students from low-income families.”
She said this while attending the launch ceremony of the “Sustainable Education (LESTARI Pendidikan)” campaign on Monday.
She pointed out that over RM3 billion is needed annually to meet these needs, making repayment an essential social responsibility.
Earlier, local media reported that as of December 31 last year, the total loan amount of the higher education fund was RM71.3 billion, with RM32.29 billion falling under the “repayable” category, involving 2,716,110 borrowers.
Meanwhile, Norliza stated that the “Sustainable Education” campaign launched by PTPTN aims to raise awareness of the importance of inclusive higher education and the sustainability of education funds.
“The core message of this campaign is ‘empowering people through higher education and financial responsibility’. This is a strategic move to ensure that higher education remains relevant and sustainable for future generations.”
The main contents of the campaign include the #PTPTNBolehBincang plan, which allows borrowers to negotiate flexible repayment options, and the #PTPTNSediaBantu plan, providing various convenient repayment channels.
The campaign is based on four core elements: Transformation (Transformasi), Aspiration (Aspirasi), Realization (Realisasi), and Innovation (Inovasi). For example, applications like myPTPTN and myWaqafPTPTN have been introduced to simplify the repayment process and manage loans more systematically.
“We understand the financial challenges faced by some borrowers. Therefore, PTPTN is committed to helping them settle their debts through flexible and empathetic approaches.”
Norliza emphasized that higher education is the foundation of building a progressive society, and maintaining the sustainability of the education fund requires collective efforts from all parties.
“Universities, alumni, non-governmental organizations, and community leaders need to become strategic partners to promote this positive message. Only through collective action can we ensure that the national higher education system remains strong and inclusive.”
Furthermore, the “Sustainable Education” campaign aligns with national visions, such as the Malaysian Prosperity Concept and the Ministry of Higher Education’s higher education strategic plan.