Carnival boosts savings culture, education awareness in Sabah
KOTA KINABALU (July 26): The Anak Warisan Simpan SSPN (Kawan) Carnival 2025, organised by the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), is poised to foster a culture of saving and instil positive lifelong values within the community.
Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Ts Mustapha Sakmud described the carnival as a progressive initiative that promotes financial literacy, strengthens family values, and preserves cultural heritage among Malaysia's youth.
'This PTPTN initiative aligns with the Ministry of Higher Education's aspiration to produce a knowledgeable, financially literate, and competitive generation,' he said when officiating the programme at Karamunsing shopping complex here on Saturday.
Mustapha highlighted the importance of sound financial planning in supporting the country's higher education financing efforts. He said the Simpan SSPN scheme has proven to be an effective savings instrument, helping parents prepare for their children's education without relying entirely on loans.
'Since its inception in 2004, Simpan SSPN has recorded RM21.93 billion in accumulated deposits as of June 30 this year, with 6.98 million accounts opened. In Sabah alone, deposits exceeded RM689.84 million across more than 500,000 accounts, reflecting strong public trust in the scheme,' he said.
Mustapha also shared the story of the late Mohd Roslan Abdul Rahim, a Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) member and Simpan SSPN depositor who died in an accident in May. His family received RM193,000 in takaful and death benefit protection.
'This shows that Simpan SSPN is not only a savings tool but also a form of financial protection for families,' he added.
He commended the Sabah state government for allocating RM77.01 million towards educational incentives through programmes such as State Education Savings Assistance (Bistari), Higher Education Institution Registration Cash Assistance (Budi), and Special Examination Cash Assistance (Budi) from 2022 to June 2025. These initiatives benefit infants, Year One students, higher education students, and major examination candidates.
Meanwhile, PTPTN chairwoman Datuk Seri Norliza Abdul Rahim reaffirmed the agency's mission to prevent students from dropping out due to financial constraints.
'As the main higher education fund in Malaysia, PTPTN continues to implement impactful programmes to raise awareness about the importance of education and financial planning,' she said.
She added that Kawan 2025 takes a community and family-based approach, embedding values such as thrift and family integrity to nurture a resilient, harmonious Madani generation.
Held simultaneously in all 14 states, the carnival featured poetry, syair, seloka and Simpan SSPN Action Song competitions, as well as cultural performances under the 'Heritage' theme, lucky draws, and engaging family activities. A Simpan SSPN counter also offered exclusive souvenirs to new depositors.
Norliza noted that Simpan SSPN offers multiple benefits, including income tax relief of up to RM8,000 per year, takaful coverage, matching grants of up to RM10,000 per eligible family, and syariah-compliant, competitive dividends.
She also expressed appreciation for the Sabah government's support of PTPTN's financial literacy and CSR efforts, along with the contributions of public and private sector partners.
'We hope Kawan 2025 serves as an effective platform for strengthening the savings culture, instilling heritage values, and supporting the growth of Malaysia's higher education sector, in line with PTPTN's motto—'Your Opportunity for Success',' she said.
During the event, the District Education Offices (PPDs) of Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Papar and Tuaran received certificates of appreciation for promoting the Education Savings Club Module in schools, in support of the Malaysian Education Blueprint 2013–2025.
Prizes were also awarded to winners of the Simpan SSPN colouring, cultural and Action Song competitions held earlier in the day.
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