October 31, 2025
PETALING JAYA – Education experts have lauded the government’s Budget 2026 proposal to offer free tertiary education loans to low-income families and impose a travel ban on loan defaulters, calling it a fair and necessary move to ensure accountability.
They said the initiative, which grants free National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loans to families earning below RM2,700 a month, could be a game-changer in helping underprivileged students break the cycle of poverty, provided it reaches the right people.
Malaysian Association for Education secretary Hamidi Mookkaiyah Abdullah said the proposed travel ban on PTPTN defaulters is long overdue.
“Those from wealthy families who benefited from PTPTN must repay what they owe, whether they live in Malaysia or abroad. If they refuse, their passports should be impounded.
“We need to recover those funds so that more students from the low-income group can get the same opportunity for higher education,” he said.
Hamidi said providing free education for those truly in need is crucial, as it could help them escape the cycle of poverty.
Melaka Action Group for Parents in Education chairman Mak Chee Kin, however, cautioned that a strict system must be in place to ensure the aid reaches only deserving recipients.
He said borrowers who are financially stable but deliberately avoid repayment should face legal action.
“If they have good jobs but refuse to fulfil their responsibility, the government should take them to court.
“I also suggest a law empowering PTPTN to direct employers to auto-deduct an agreed portion from salaries,” Mak said.
National Union of the Teaching Profession secretary-general Fouzi Singon said PTPTN borrowers must understand that their repayments help sustain the system for future students.
“Therefore, it is reasonable for the government to impose travel restrictions on borrowers who do not pay back their loans,” he said.
Recently, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir clarified that the proposed measures are not meant to punish borrowers.
“We just want to help those who are caught in a difficult financial situation.
“If they are facing difficulties in repaying their loans, as we have mentioned many times, they should come forward and inform PTPTN about their low income or inability to pay.
“I have also instructed PTPTN on handling such cases and assisting with the adjustment of repayment methods,” he said.