Sarawak govt paid PTPTN RM90.42 mln so far to settle 30 pct of its students’ debts

PTPTN chairman Datuk Norliza Abdul Rahim. Photo credit: PTPTN's official Facebook page

KUCHING, Dec 28: The Sarawak government has made a payment of RM90.42 million to the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) so far to settle 30 per cent of the debts owed by students from Sarawak.

Bernama reported yesterday that PTPTN chairman, Datuk Norliza Abdul Rahim, revealed the total amount paid by the Sarawak government following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between PTPTN and the Sarawak Foundation (Yayasan Sarawak) on March 5, 2021 for the PTPTN Sarawak Student Loan Repayment Incentive,

“Today, the Sarawak Foundation once again disbursed an incentive allocation for PTPTN loan repayment to Sarawakian students, amounting to RM12.43 million and it is estimated that 3,000 eligible borrowers will receive this incentive.

“This brings the total amount disbursed by the Sarawak State government to RM90.42 million, benefiting over 25,000 PTPTN borrowers among Sarawakian students,” Norliza was quoted saying by Bernama.

She went on to say that the PTPTN loan repayment incentive for Sarawakian students is a continuation of the Sarawak’s Budget 2020 initiative.

As part of the collaboration, the State government will continue to provide financial assistance for Sarawakian students by covering up to 30 per cent of the outstanding balance on PTPTN loans for borrowers who have already repaid at least 30 per cent of their loan debts.

“PTPTN hopes that the incentive for the repayment of PTPTN loans for Sarawakian students will continue, thereby helping to realise the dreams of future generations in higher education,” Norliza was quoted saying.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg reportedly announced last month, when tabling the 2024 state budget, that RM30 million would be allocated under the budget to assist Sarawakian graduates in repaying their study loan debts. — DayakDaily