Survey reveals repayment experiences vary, with low-income borrowers facing pressure and high-income defaulters urged to face stricter enforcement.
PETALING JAYA: A survey conducted by theSun among National Higher Education Fund Corporation borrowers showed sharp contrasts in how different income groups manage their repayment obligations.
Aqilah, 29, from Setapak and earning below RM2,400 a month, said she has completed her loan but struggled throughout the repayment period due to her low salary.
“It was difficult to commit to the instalments every month. By the time I finished budgeting for rent, transport and basic expenses, there was not much left.
“To me, maybe the system is fair. But with my salary level, even small commitments feel heavy. I just hope there can be more support for borrowers such as us.”
The repayment experiences of those earning between RM2,500 and RM5,000 a month differed by their monthly commitments.
Izzuddin Helmi, 26, from Bandar Baharu in Kedah said he has settled his loan but faced pressure balancing instalments with family responsibilities.
“I have had to work around my family commitments.”
He viewed the repayment structure as fair because the monthly amount did not burden him, but urged companies to offer voluntary payroll deductions.
“More companies should give the option to deduct (the repayments) directly from wages, like Tabung Haji contributions.”
Another Setapak-based borrower, Hafiz, 37, said he previously fell behind on payments before rescheduling his loan with the corporation.
Another low/middle income borrower from Pengerang in Johor, a 25-year-old, who requested to be identified only as “Dop”, said the cost of living was his biggest challenge.
“I am still paying, but living costs make it difficult some months. Inflation sometimes makes me think twice about which priority I should commit to first financially.
“But I would try to prioritise repayments. If I am late, the amount will snowball and get harder to manage.
“I believe the repayment system is fair, but the interests can be a little burdening.”
Gary, 27, from Kuching in Sarawak, said he has been paying through auto-deduction and has “no issues keeping up” with his instalments.
“I think it is easier for me because I still live with my parents, so my monthly commitments are very low. That gives me room to set aside part of my salary for repayments every month without feeling pressured.”
A 28-year-old from Kuala Lumpur, who earns above RM8,000 a month, said he has been consistently repaying his loan since entering the workforce.
“I have been paying since my first paycheck, and paid more than the required amount each month.
“I should be able to settle everything within the next two years,” said the borrower, who requested anonymity.
He also said enforcement should be firmer.
“The corporation should impose forced repayment using Employees Provident Fund if people cannot or refuse to pay on time.
“It is one of the things the government could look into to reduce high-income defaulters.”
