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KUCHING, Aug 14: The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) ‘Anak Sarawak’ loan repayment incentive will continue this year with an increased allocation from the Sarawak government of RM41.84 million, which will benefit almost 10,000 ‘Anak Sarawak’ borrowers.
In a press statement issued today, Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni expressed his heartfelt appreciation to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and the State government for increasing funds for the PTPTN loan repayment incentive for Sarawak children.
“This is a clear indication that this aid programme is not a one-time effort, but rather an ongoing commitment by the Sarawak government beginning in 2020,” he said.
Lukanisman noted that starting yesterday, some PTPTN borrowers among Sarawak children who have made consistent loan payments of 30 per cent have received PTPTN loan repayment assistance.
He added that PTPTN has also notified eligible borrowers via email, and that online checks can be conducted on PTPTN’s official website.
“The YAB Premier of Sarawak initiated the PTPTN loan repayment incentive in 2019 after hearing the appeal of students during the ‘Townhall Anak Sarawak’ programme organised by the Sarawak Volunteers.
“Since 2020, a total of 22,000 borrowers have benefited from PTPTN debt repayments amounting to RM77.99 million.
“The PTPTN loan repayment incentive is an effort by YAB Premier to reduce student debt,” he explained.
Lukanisman, who is also Sibuti MP, expressed hope that ongoing efforts to assist Sarawak children with their education will be strengthened.
“Since 2018, YAB Premier has given serious attention to various aspects of education, including a RM1 billion grant to ‘sekolah daif’ (poor schools), RM50 million to connect the electricity grid to schools, the Sarawak Returning Graduate Initiative (I-GPS) of RM600 per person, free fee incentives at the pre-u level in institutions of higher learning (IPT) owned by the Sarawak government, and, most recently, the establishment of the Sovereign Fund to save funds for the future of Sarawak children.
“These are all the wishes of the YAB Premier in the future to provide free education to the next generation,” he noted.
He also thanked Yayasan Sarawak for coordinating this incentive with the cooperation of PTPTN.
“PTPTN has also stated that there is no need to submit an application and that those who are eligible will be identified after graduation,” he added. — DayakDaily
