Education fund waives accident victim’s outstanding loan

GEORGE TOWN: The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) has waived the remainder of a study loan owed by a woman who died in August when a crane hook at a construction site fell onto her car.

It will waive the RM52,141.59 outstanding sum from the loan taken by administration executive Chin Khoon Sing, 23, for her diploma and degree programmes at a private institution of higher learning.

The remaining amount was settled through the PTPTN takaful protection scheme. A sum of RM1,500 was also given to Chin’s family as bereavement aid.

Chin, a Penangite, was caught in a traffic jam in Kuala Lumpur when the crane hook fell more than 20 storeys onto her car on Aug 25.

At a ceremony yesterday to receive a certificate of notification on the loan, Chin’s aunt Yeoh Ang See, 55, who represented the family, said it was very kind of PTPTN to waive the loan.

“This will bring a sense of relief to the family. Her parents do not have to settle the loan now.

“I am glad there is such a scheme available for the students,” she said.

PTPTN deputy chief executive officer (policy and operations) Mastura Mohd Khalid said the corporation would always look after the welfare of the borrowers. “We try to ease their burden,” she said. From 1997 until Sept 30 this year, Mastura said 6,421 borrowers had benefited from the takaful protection scheme, totalling RM99.8mil.

“A total of RM7mil has been paid out as bereavement aid,” she said.

For details on the takaful claim, visit the PTPTN portal at www.ptptn.gov.my.