Latest news with #NorlizaAbdulRahim
The Star
7 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
PTPTN repayment exemption portal to reopen Sept 1
PETALING JAYA: The application portal for first-class honours graduates seeking exemption from repaying their National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loans will reopen on Sept 1. 'Graduates who meet the conditions remain eligible for the exemption. 'PTPTN is currently upgrading its system, and the portal will be fully operational on Sept 1, 2025. Applications for exemption can be submitted after that date,' said PTPTN chairman Datuk Seri Norliza Abdul Rahim in an official statement on her Facebook page on Monday. She also said that the policy for exempting loan repayments for first-class honours graduates remains in effect and has never been withdrawn. 'Hopefully, this clarification provides some relief. PTPTN remains committed to fulfilling its mandate in supporting national education,' she said. On Aug 14, frustrated graduates began appealing to PTPTN for clarity after they were unexpectedly asked to start repaying their loans despite having attained first-class honours. In e-mail notifications sent to borrowers last month, sighted by The Star, PTPTN provided repayment schedules as stipulated in loan agreements. In response to complaints regarding the issue, it stated that the exemption application process and the submission of supporting documents can only be carried out once the service – currently closed – is reopened. In a separate response to parents, the agency reiterated that approval for loan repayment exemptions is subject to the government's current financial position, and all borrowers must continue repayments during the temporary closure. 'No manual submission method or other channels are allowed,' the e-mail read. On June 3, an insider told The Star that the exemption application service for first-class honours graduates remains unavailable pending Finance Ministry approval. 'Applications to convert loans into scholarships for first-class honours graduates have not yet opened, and the approval date for borrowers to apply has not been confirmed. 'Borrowers will be informed once applications can be accepted,' said the insider. Meanwhile, Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud told the Dewan Rakyat that 133,159 graduates had their loans waived, with the waiver amounting to about RM2.9bil. 'This is an incentive for graduates with PTPTN loans. They will be exempted if they achieve first class honours,' he added. He clarified that the repayment feature on PTPTN's online portal will go online on Sept 1 this year. 'Those eligible for exemption can make an appeal then.' This came after attempts to appeal via PTPTN's online portal were met with a 'temporarily closed' notice. Separately, the deputy minister added that there is no decision yet on whether to reimpose a travel ban for PTPTN loan defaulters. Mustapha said PTPTN is also ready to assist borrowers in restructuring their loan repayments or postpone them if they have yet to secure an income or are furthering their education. 'We also issue reminders and notices to borrowers so that repayments are made,' he said. As of July this year, he said PTPTN has approved loans to 3.1 million borrowers from the low income groups, amounting to RM59.44bil.
Barnama
20 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
PTPTN Reaches Out To Communities Via Jelajah Aspirasi Malaysia 2025, Promotes Savings Habit
GEORGE TOWN, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Upholding the spirit of independence, the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) took part in the Jelajah Aspirasi 2025 Programme, engaging communities to cultivate financial planning and savings habits from an early age for a more secure educational future. PTPTN chairman Datuk Seri Norliza Abdul Rahim said the programme served as a strategic platform for the corporation to engage with the community, explain its products and raise awareness on the importance of saving. She said the concept of saving reflected the true spirit of independence, as it could help the community break free from the chains of debt. 'PTPTN aims to change the community's mindset from borrowing to saving so that they can truly be independent from the shackles of debt in the future,' she told reporters after attending the Jelajah Aspirasi Malaysia 2025 Programme at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Sungai Gelugor here. Also present were Penang State Broadcasting Department (RTM) director Nor Hisham Abbas, Penang State Education Department's Learning Sector deputy director Mohamad Zawawi Ahmad, PTPTN senior general manager Wan Zawiah Wan Abu Bakar, and PTPTN Penang State Office director Muhammad Muhsin Abdul Rahman. The programme was organised by RTM and PTPTN as strategic partners, aiming to provide the public with information to appreciate the meaning of independence, with Penang serving as the third stop of the tour. As part of its social responsibility initiative, PTPTN contributed RM100 each to 100 SK Sungai Gelugor students in the form of National Education Savings Scheme (Simpan SSPN) Prime accounts. Prizes were also presented to the winners of a competition held in conjunction with the programme, which aimed to raise awareness of the importance of saving for education from an early age and to support aspirations for higher education. According to Norliza, Simpan SSPN offered a range of benefits, including income tax relief on savings of up to RM8,000 per year, takaful protection, free matching grants of up to RM10,000 for eligible families, competitive dividend rates, and Syariah compliance.
The Star
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
PTPTN allocates RM47.8mil in advance loans for July 2025 intake
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) has allocated RM47.8mil in Loan Advance Payment (WPP) to 31,850 students pursuing diploma studies at public universities and polytechnics for the July 2025 intake. In a statement on Wednesday (July 2), PTPTN said each eligible student will receive RM1,500 to assist with initial preparation costs, ensuring their welfare is safeguarded as they begin their higher education. WPP is offered to Malaysian students who consented to receive the advance loan during their application to public higher education institutions (IPTA) via UPUOnline or the official admission portals, and whose parents or guardians are recipients of the government's Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) aid, subject to eligibility criteria. Since its introduction in 1999, WPP has benefited 990,638 students with total disbursements amounting to RM1.46bil as of May 31 this year. As an agency under the Higher Education Ministry (MOHE), PTPTN said it remains committed to supporting students in gaining access to tertiary education. Students can check their WPP offer through the myPTPTN app and redeem the funds at any Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd (BIMB) branch nationwide from today until Sept 1, by presenting their WPP offer letter and MyKad, although representatives are not allowed. PTPTN chairperson Datuk Seri Norliza Abdul Rahim led a delegation to personally visit WPP recipients in Bukit Gelugor, Penang, where a total of 1,419 students were offered assistance mounting to RM2.13mil. Norliza advised students to use the funds responsibly and encouraged them to apply for full PTPTN loans according to their institution's application timeline to ensure timely processing and approval. Applicants are also required to open a National Education Savings Scheme (Simpan SSPN) account via the app before submitting their PTPTN loan applications. - Bernama
The Sun
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
PTPTN allocates RM47.8m advance loans for July 2025 intake
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) has allocated RM47.8 million in Loan Advance Payment (WPP) to 31,850 students enrolling in diploma programmes at public universities and polytechnics for the July 2025 intake. Each eligible student will receive RM1,500 to cover initial preparation costs, ensuring financial support as they begin their higher education journey. The WPP is available to Malaysian students who opted for the advance loan during their application via UPUOnline or official admission portals. Eligibility is also tied to parents or guardians receiving the government's Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) aid. Since its launch in 1999, WPP has assisted 990,638 students with total disbursements reaching RM1.46 billion as of May 31 this year. PTPTN, under the Higher Education Ministry (MOHE), continues its commitment to facilitating access to tertiary education. Students can verify their WPP offer through the myPTPTN app and claim the funds at any Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd (BIMB) branch until September 1. They must present their WPP offer letter and MyKad, with no proxy redemptions allowed. PTPTN chairperson Datuk Seri Norliza Abdul Rahim visited WPP recipients in Bukit Gelugor, Penang, where 1,419 students received RM2.13 million in aid. She urged students to use the funds wisely and apply for full PTPTN loans according to their institution's timeline. Applicants must also open a National Education Savings Scheme (Simpan SSPN) account via the app before submitting their loan applications.
Free Malaysia Today
07-05-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Diversifying funding sources through myWaqafPTPTN
PTPTN chairman Norliza Abdul Rahim distributing scholarships under the myWaqafPTPTN initiative to eligible students at a recent event in Kuala Lumpur. PETALING JAYA : Waqf is one of the Islamic financial instruments that play a role in socio- economic development, including education, to help improve the living standards of those in need. Contributions can be made in the form of cash, land, buildings, equipment or dedicated funds to enhance living standards. In Malaysia, the concept is growing, and the inter-agency National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) has taken steps through the establishment of myWaqafPTPTN as one of the initiatives to diversify sources of funding for higher education other than through existing loans. The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) and Yayasan Waqaf Malaysia (YWM) launched myWaqafPTPTN on 11 March 2024. The three main objectives of myWaqafPTPTN are: 1. To diversify funding sources for higher education financing beyond PTPTN's existing student loan scheme; 2. To utilise waqf as a wealth redistribution instrument to support national education development through alternative scholarship-based financial aid, known as Wakaf Tunai PTPTN ; and 3. To reduce societal dependence on education loans and lessen the burden of loan repayment or debt accumulation. The initiative allows contributions from individuals, corporate entities, and legally recognised organisations, both domestic and international, to assist students by providing higher education scholarships and reducing the burden of loan repayment or student debt. myWaqafPTPTN is open to PTPTN loan-eligible students from the B40, M40, and asnaf categories, including registered aid recipients under state Islamic councils. The initiative is not limited to Muslim students. A key advantage is that all myWaqafPTPTN donations qualify for a 10% tax deduction under Subsection 44(11C) of the Income Tax Act 1967. As of February, over RM1.18 million had been collected, benefiting 82 students through scholarships worth over RM984,000. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also announced an extra RM30 million allocation for the programme at the National Waqf Month 2025 launch last month. Scholarship recipients have expressed gratitude for the financial relief provided by myWaqafPTPTN. Fatin Nur Humaira Abd Rahman. Fatin Nur Humaira Abd Rahman, a diploma in logistics management student at the National Defence University (UPNM), said the scholarship has significantly eased the financial burden of her and her family. 'It reduces the burden of repaying my student loan. This assistance is especially helpful for underprivileged B40 students,' she said. M Harshavardhan. Another recipient from UPNM, M Harshavardhan, agreed, saying the scholarship had helped reduce his family's financial strain. 'Nowadays, many students have to work part-time to cover the high cost of education. This PTPTN assistance helps ease that burden,' he said. Muhamad Rida Hafeez Mohamad Johari Abdul Rahman. For Muhamad Rida Hafeez Mohamad Johari Abdul Rahman, a diploma in engineering student, the programme has had a significant impact as it allows students to complete their studies without the worry of debt after graduation. 'I am truly grateful for this scholarship. Thank you to PTPTN for helping students continue their studies without needing to worry about money,' said the Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al- Sultan Abdullah student. How to contribute to myWaqafPTPTN Individuals or organisations can donate through three methods: 1. Via YWM's official website by selecting 'myWaqafPTPTN' under 'Wakaf Khas / Projek' 2. Direct transfer to Yayasan Waqaf Malaysia's bank account at RHB Islamic Bank (2- 12457-6006259-1) 3. Scanning the QR code below. Contribute to myWaqafPTPTN to ensure higher education funding for future generations. PTPTN hopes that myWaqafPTPTN will become the preferred waqf initiative, helping more students while ensuring the long-term sustainability of higher education, aligning with its slogan, 'Higher Education for All'.
