Borrowers: No problem with slight delay

PETALING JAYA: Borrowers are quite receptive to the idea that the Government needs more time to work on the promise to delay repayment of loans until the borrowers start earning RM4,000 a month and above.

But they are divided on the move to lift the travel ban on hundreds of thousands of PTPTN defaulters, with most calling for repayment so that others can benefit from the fund.

PTPTN borrower Jessica, 25, said she felt the delay in upholding the promise was a minor issue.

“We are hit with so much debt. With GST being implemented at a zero rate and the minister’s initial statement of allowing borrowers earning under RM4,000 to delay their repayment, how will we reduce the debt?

“Also, if I were to wait until I reach a salary of RM4,000 before repaying my loan, it will take me years!” she said.

Bank executive Cindy, in her 20s, believes the new government is doing the right thing by prioritising the need to settle the nation’s debts over the PTPTN promise.

“If it means a slight delay to execute their promises, why not? I don’t mind it at all,” she said, adding that she has faithfully been repaying her loan for the past seven years.

Fresh graduate Jamie Tan said she was “disappointed” but does not blame the Government if it delays the plan.

She said it is a priority to “restore” the country first.

On the travel ban, Tan said it was a good thing to lift the ban as it would give people the chance to travel again.

Amellia Ong, 25, who is currently pursuing her Certificate in Legal Practice, said removing PTPTN loan defaulters from the immigration blacklist was fair, but she hoped borrowers would not take advantage of it.

Kareena Segaran, 28, said the decision has its pros and cons.

“It’s a good decision for those who have just graduated and have not been able to secure a steady income yet but those who have defaulted for so long will take advantage of this decision,” she said.

“It’s still our responsibility to pay back as borrowers.

“In fact, if you really can’t afford to pay you can negotiate with PTPTN to pay as much as you can first,” she said, adding that she is earning less than RM4,000 but has been repaying her loans since she graduated.

But for N. Hemala, she is worried that lifting the ban could backfire.

“If you are not going to instil some form of fear into borrowers, will they really repay their loan?” she asked, adding that some may take advantage of the situation.