PTPTN aid for late firefighters' children

PETALING JAYA: The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) announced an aid in the form of SSPN savings accounts for the children of firefighters who recently died in a search and rescue operation in Puchong.

PTPTN chairman Wan Saiful Wan Jan made the announcement while launching a savings campaign, billed ‘Kempen Minggu Menabung SSPN 2018', at 1 Utama Shopping Centre, here yesterday.

“It is a form of support for the children of the firefighters who have sacrificed their lives to fulfil their duty. PTPTN will also put in some fund into the accounts.

“I also invite members of the public to contribute, to ensure a brighter future for the children of the deceased firefighters. We will visit the families to determine the amount needed,” he said.

In the incident, six Fire and Rescue Department's Water Rescue Unit (PPDA) divers drowned after failing to escape strong currents while searching for a missing teen.

Meanwhile, increasing parents' awareness on saving up and planning for their children's tertiary education is the thrust of 'Kempen Minggu Menabung SSPN 2018'.

The countrywide campaign, from Oct 5-7, is being organised for the first time and targets 1,300 new account registration with a total deposit of RM1.5 million.

“We are confident of achieving the target. Today at 1 Utama, total deposits have reached RM50,000 and 30 new accounts were opened as of 10am,” said Wan Saiful at a media conference after the campaign's launch.

From 2004 till Aug 31 2018, there are 3.6 million SSPN accounts with a total deposits of RM3.8 billion.

PTPTN hopes to achieve RM600 million in total deposits and 350,000 new accounts for this year. And there are already 434,000 new SSPN accounts for this year till Aug 31 2018, exceeding the target of new accounts set.