KUCHING, Jan 18: The Sarawak government will settle 30 per cent of outstanding National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loans taken by 9,634 Sarawakian students.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Sarawak government through Yayasan Sarawak had held talks with PTPTN to determine the method of repayment for outstanding PTPTN loans.
“Currently, the discussions between Yayasan Sarawak and PTPTN have just been completed. There is already a formula for us to help Sarawak students resolve arrears with PTPTN where we have provided an allocation of RM30 million,” said Abang Johari at a press conference here this morning after a ceremony of handing over two buses to Mukah Polytechnic and Metro Betong Polytechnic held at Wisma Bapa Malaysia today.
This initiative will help students settle 30 per cent of their debt balance with PTPTN involving a total of 9,634 students.
Apart from helping students with PTPTN loans, the Sarawak government will also provide assistance for students in Peninsular Malaysia by paying for return flights during festive seasons.
It is also involved in the provision of free school bus services for students, especially in Kuching city which will later be extended to other parts of Sarawak. — DayakDaily
