PTPTN offers repayment lifeline amid rising costs

New Straits Times

6 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Faced with rising living costs and mounting financial commitments, many borrowers are finding relief through the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loan restructuring initiative.
For financial officer Suhazlin Shahrul Anuar, 36, who took out an RM16,950 loan in 2007 when studying at Politeknik Johor Baru, restructuring her loan early last year was a turning point in managing her finances.
"Previously, I was paying around RM180 a month. After I took a housing loan, I just couldn't keep up with the full amount."
Her new repayment schedule, which runs from December 2024 to June 2032, has slashed her monthly commitment to RM95.36.
"It helped me reorganise my budget. I no longer worry about falling behind or seeing my name listed in the Central Credit Reference Information System (CCRIS)."
Suhazlin said the restructuring allowed her to keep paying without defaulting, thanks to a direct debit arrangement she now uses.
"It's not about avoiding responsibility. Restructuring made it manageable. I encourage other borrowers in similar situations to restructure too. It's better than ignoring the loan altogether."
She views repaying the restructured loan as a social responsibility.
"We've benefited from this fund. By paying it back, we're ensuring the next generation has the same opportunity to pursue their education."
Her sentiments are echoed by Chong Suk Ting, 28, an environmental, health and safety engineer who restructured her PTPTN loan after taking part in her company's voluntary separation scheme (VSS).
"I started my loan around 2021 when I was studying at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman. After the VSS, I reviewed my financial position and realised I couldn't keep up with the previous payment amounts."
Before restructuring her loan, Chong had struggled to make consistent payments.
Some months I paid RM50, some months RM100. It was inconsistent, and it affected my CCRIS report."
After consulting with PTPTN officers, she managed to restructure her loan to a level she could afford.
"They were helpful and guided me through it. It's a relief to know what I need to pay each month, and I no longer feel overwhelmed by the debt."
Like Suhazlin, Chong sees repayment not only as a financial obligation but a moral one.
"If we don't repay now, we'll still have to do it later but maybe with consequences. More importantly, other students need this money to pursue their education.
"Some people think they can ignore it, but it's better to face it head-on. PTPTN has made it easier. They understood our situation and gave us a second chance to do the right things."
Both Suhazlin and Chong agree that PTPTN's initiative is timely and crucial in today's economic climate.
"Not every loan agency offers this kind of flexibility. It shows that PTPTN cares more about helping us borrowers than punishing us for falling behind," Suhazlin said.
PTPTN introduced its loan restructuring to help borrowers who are struggling with repayment due to financial hardship.
Under the #BolehBincang initiative, borrowers can revise their repayment schedule based on current income and commitments, making it easier for them to make repayments consistently and manage their finances more effectively.
To initiate loan restructuring discussions and access information, download the myPTPTN app. Borrowers can also explore PTPTN's restructuring options by contacting PTPTN Careline at 03-2193 3000 or via Live Chat on the PTPTN portal at www.ptptn.gov.my.