Kota Kinabalu: The Ministry of Higher Education is encouraging borrowers of the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) to reach out directly to the agency to restructure their loans, as the Government adopts a more flexible and empathetic approach to repayments.
Its Deputy Minister Datuk Ts. Mustapha Sakmud urged those, especially borrowers who have never made any repayments, to come forward and discuss available options.
“We are not here to punish anyone. We want borrowers to come to the nearest PTPTN office, so we can talk and restructure the loans.
“The Ministry is promoting a practical and flexible repayment method,” he said during the Majlis Jalinan Ukhuwah Aidilfitri at the Mini Putrajaya Banquet Hall, here, Saturday.
Mustapha said approximately 13 per cent in Malaysia of PTPTN borrowers have never made a single payment, while the remaining majority — though often irregular — are still making efforts to pay.
He stressed that the Ministry is ready to support all borrowers through open communication.
“Our focus is on this 13 per cent. Don’t be afraid — come and talk to us. There’s room for negotiation and solutions,” he said.
The Ministry, he added, welcomes the Higher Education Minister’s recent call to review existing repayment structures, to ease financial burdens on graduates, especially those from the B40 income group.
Mustapha also highlighted upcoming initiatives such as the “JOM Masuk U” programmes, scheduled to take place in Sandakan on April 19–20 and at Universiti Malaysia Sabah on May 10–11.
These events are designed to help students, particularly from underprivileged backgrounds, explore higher education opportunities.
“Don’t miss this opportunity. As I mentioned earlier, our Ministry offers various incentives for B40 children, so we hope those in Sabah take this chance to get the information they need,” he said.
In addition, Mustapha, who is also Sepanggar MP, announced the soft launch of the Sepanggar Development Plan during the event.
He described it as the first step in formulating a comprehensive strategy for both physical and human development in the constituency.
“This approach ensures we do not overlook critical aspects before the plan is fully rolled out. Today marks the launch of its foundation,” he said.
With over 300,000 residents in Sepanggar, the plan aims to improve infrastructure and overall quality of life in a holistic manner.
