Budget 2027: Education groups back PTPTN repayment measures
PETALING JAYA: Budget 2027’s proposed PTPTN repayment measures are the “best deal” for ensuring borrowers who can afford to repay their loans fulfil their personal and religious responsibilities, said the Malaysian Association for Education.
Its president Dr Mohd Majid Konting added that PTPTN repayment has been a thorny issue since the fund was established in 1997 to help students finance their higher education.
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“This is the best deal by the government to ensure every borrower who is able to repay their loan does so as part of their personal responsibility and religious duty.
“Those who earn below the minimum national income should be exempted as they belong to the lowest income group,” he shared.
He also said Budget 2027’s education allocations must translate into meaningful improvements in teaching and learning, while preparing students and graduates for future employment.
He stressed that the nearly RM69 billion allocated to the Education Ministry also reflects the importance of education, but added that the focus should be on ensuring the funding delivers tangible benefits to students.
“I hope the ministry would look seriously at teaching and learning, ensure meaningful learning and prepare the right educators, as the success of the budget can only be measured by whether it delivers the effective education system envisioned in the National Education Blueprint.”
National Association of Private Educational Institutions deputy president Dr Teh Choon Jin said the effectiveness of Budget 2027 should be assessed not merely by the amount allocated but also by its impact on students as well as graduates.
He said increased funding for school maintenance and the upgrading of dilapidated schools is important to provide children with conducive learning environments.
“However, I believe we need to look beyond the size of these allocations and ask a more fundamental question: Are we investing in the kind of education that would prepare Malaysians for the future?”
Teh also welcomed PTPTN loan repayment relief, saying it would ease the financial pressure on young graduates entering the workforce.
“For many young graduates, the transition into working life comes with significant financial pressures. Providing some breathing space is a practical measure that recognises their circumstances.”
However, he stressed the need to balance assistance for borrowers facing financial difficulties with the long-term sustainability of the fund to ensure future generations could continue accessing higher education.
“PTPTN is not merely about collecting loan repayments. It is about sustaining access to higher education for future generations,” he noted.
Teh said the success of Budget 2027 should ultimately be measured by whether more young people gain access to quality education, graduates secure meaningful jobs and Malaysia develops the talent needed to remain competitive.
He emphasised that investment in education should focus on developing knowledge, skills as well as confidence to navigate an uncertain future and also contribute to society.
