Universiti Malaya urged to scrap ‘zero balance’ policy

KUCHING (Oct 21) Universiti Malaya (UM) has been urged to abolish its ‘zero balance’ policy, which has been deemed unfair and oppressive for students admitted through the open channel pathway.

In making this call, Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Youth Central chief Datuk Michael Tiang said both the party’s youth and women’s wings support the petition by the UM students against the policy.

The zero balance policy, introduced in 2022, was initially put off due to objections by the students union but was re-activated last year.

Tiang, who is the Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said UM’s decision is causing significant anxiety and worry among students before their semester starts.

He added that many of these students are not from very well-off families and rely on the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loans and other scholarships.

“It places unnecessary financial stress on these students, especially those from lower-income group.

“Instead of supporting students in their academic journey, the policy can make education less accessible for those struggling with financial challenges.”

Tiang explained that the policy requires students to settle the first semester tuition fees before they could activate their student status.

“Previously, students will only be asked to settle their fees before the examination of the semesters. That way, it gives way to the students to find means to settle their tuition fees before and to wait for the PTPTN to release fees to the university,” he said.

Meanwhile, Political secretary to the Premier of Sarawak Kho Teck Wan said she and Tiang were approached by affected students when attending the just concluded Lan Berambeh programme in Kuala Lumpur.

She noted that many of the students are seeking alternatives to pay for their course fees.

“This is not right because students should not be put through the anxiety of settling their tuition fees,” she said.

These students also informed Tiang and Kho that the zero balance policy was not mentioned in their offer letters to enter UM.

“So, we say no to the zero balance policy, and the university should scrap this policy,” Tiang said.