RESTRUCTURING PTPTN LOANS

The Star

3 days ago

THE pathway to higher education isn't always paved in gold. Many face difficulties in pursuing their academic goals due to financial constraints, which is where the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) steps in to aid students in their educational endeavours.
Loan holders or borrowers are required to repay their loans to ensure a continued stream of support for future generations, who go through the same struggles they once experienced.
To this end, PTPTN launched its Lestari Pendidikan campaign last year, providing borrowers with flexible repayment options to alleviate their financial strain and ensure consistent repayments.
Loan restructuring
The loan restructuring scheme is intended to provide borrowers with the convenience of changing the structure of their repayment schedules based on their financial capabilities.
This enables them to adjust monthly instalment amounts and loan periods, reducing the monthly burden for those experiencing financial difficulties or those who want to restore or take charge of their finances.
To be eligible for loan restructuring, borrowers must meet several criteria, such as having high arrears loans with Ujrah or conventional status, or experiencing difficulties repaying their PTPTN loans.
Zaidad Farhah Shaiful Akbar from Bentong, Pahang, who is a current borrower, shared that she has already successfully restructured her loan repayment period, and that the entire process, from start to finish, was 'very easy'.
'The restructuring has provided me with a more manageable repayment plan, which has significantly reduced my financial stress,' said Tharshini.
'After getting married, I was not employed for nearly two years. During that period, I faced some financial difficulties which made it challenging for me to make my loan repayments consistently,' said the 32-year-old.
'I contacted the PTPTN hotline directly to inquire about how to restructure my loan, and the staff were extremely helpful, providing me with clear guidance throughout the process. I did not have to visit any PTPTN branch, as everything could be done online.'
Zaidad, who previously applied for the Shariah-compliant financing scheme, Ujrah, to pursue a Bachelor of Mass Communication (Hons), with a major in Broadcasting, at UiTM Shah Alam, added that the loan restructuring has been a relief for herself and her family.
'It has greatly reduced my financial burden. By allowing me to extend the repayment period, PTPTN has given me the opportunity and flexibility to manage my finances better,' she said.
Meanwhile, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) graduate 33-year-old Ng Chai Yee, who currently works full-time and also manages a small side business, said that restructuring her repayments has significantly reduced her monthly financial burden.
'By allowing me to extend the repayment period, PTPTN has given me the opportunity and flexibility to manage my finances better,' said Zaidad Farhah Shaiful Akbar.
'One of the main challenges was financial instability right after graduation. My income was quite low during the first few years, so I had trouble making consistent payments,' she said.
'The restructured payment period has also given me peace of mind knowing I could commit to the repayment schedule comfortably.'
Ng, who is currently raising a small family, added that she applied for restructuring through PTPTN's online portal, which made the entire process straightforward.
She also shared that PTPTN officials were incredibly helpful during the restructuring process, as they carefully explained the terms, procedures and next steps, allowing her to fully understand the obligations of the new repayment period.
Segi College Subang Jaya graduate Tharshini Subramanian echoed Ng's views, stating that the restructuring campaign has been a game-changer in managing her financial stability.
'When my initial loan repayment period began, I was not in a financial position to meet the monthly payments, which created a lot of stress for me, as I was still looking for a stable source of income after finishing my studies,' she said.
'Now, the restructuring has provided me with a more manageable repayment plan, which has significantly reduced my financial stress.'
'The process was quite smooth and efficient—it took less than two weeks to complete. I was able to start making my payments the following month. Overall, it was much easier than I expected, and PTPTN was very accommodating throughout the entire process.'
The 35-year-old, who is a conventional loan holder, added that by restructuring her loan, she has afforded herself the financial legroom to consistently make repayments while pursuing her personal and professional goals.
'The lower monthly payments have made it easier to balance my budget and focus on my career goals, without the looming pressure of overwhelming debt. It's given me some breathing room to plan for my future,' she said.
A shared responsibility
While no two borrowers' lives are the same, with each going through their own struggles, consistent PTPTN loan repayment is essential for the national fund to continue aiding students in their pursuit of higher education.
Local celebrity and television personality Awal Ashaari shared with The Star's Malay-language portal mStar that PTPTN loans gave him independence while he was pursuing higher education, without relying on his parents.
'When I was studying, I used to get an allowance from my parents. We weren't a rich family, so it wasn't always enough,' he said.
'When I got my PTPTN loan, the financial burden was no longer there.
'It was like having my own salary. I had enough to support my living expenses—for transportation, food and my coursework. It enabled me to study freely, without limitations or hesitation.'
He added that handling repayments timely is essential to ensure no students are left behind in their pursuit of higher education.
'This is what I want to stress to all borrowers. If you're working and financially capable, spend a little bit of what you have to pay off your PTPTN loans.. It's not like they are asking for a complete repayment—it's actually done in stages. It's not until after a year of completing your studies that they send you the first repayment notice.
'It does not have to be large amounts either as every little bit counts.
'You can even make automated salary deductions to ensure that you don't forget.'
Having been a borrower and loan-defaulter himself, Awal reiterated the profound impact that PTPTN loans have on one's educational journey.
'It was the driving force that enabled me to complete my studies,' he said.
'Many have a 'tidak apa' attitude towards loan repayments. But they should realise that PTPTN helped us to complete our studies, and when we finish studying and are financially capable, it is our duty to repay that kindness.
'We should remember the vital role this loan played in our education; without it, our paths might have been different. We might not be where we are today. When we see it in that light, the repayments don't seem like much at all.'
Universiti Putra Malaysia senior lecturer Dr Chong Kok Fei, a marketing, financial management and consumer behaviour expert, shared that many young Malaysian graduates enter working life without any form of budget and tend to spend based on cash availability rather than structured planning.
In financial planning terms, this means no cash flow planning, which often leads to delayed repayments because of insufficient savings.
'Financial literacy is absolutely critical. There is no proper planning, awareness and commitment to pay,' said Chong.
'Repaying PTPTN is more than just clearing an education loan – it's the foundation of long-term financial credibility and resilience.
'Timely repayments contribute positively to your credit report via CCRIS, improving eligibility for housing loans, car financing and even business credit. Some employers also conduct credit checks, which means that a clean PTPTN record reflects one's integrity and reliability.'
'In essence, a repaid loan is more than a cleared debt – it's proof that you can carry responsibility, delay gratification and stay true to your financial commitments,' he said.
For more information, download the myPTPTN application for easier, faster and safer services.