Sending the wrong message to debtors

I REFER to your report “Let PTPTN borrowers use EPF money to pay off loan,” ( The Star, July 19)

I question the Pakatan Harapan government’s move to defer repayment of National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loans until student borrowers earn more than RM4,000 a month as well as the decision not to bar defaulters from leaving the country.

Students who have graduated must take the initiative to repay their loans after a year.

Why is it that borrowers from commercial banks are able to repay their loans? Why is there a double standard over loans?

The previous government was “too soft” in enforcing tough measures to get students to make payment.

For whatever reason, Malaysians seem to react to the stick rather than the carrot.

Now PTPTN is urging the Employees Provident Fund to allow those who did not complete their studies to withdraw from their Account 2 to enable them to settle their outstanding loans.

Some borrowers who haven’t paid for over 15 years (and would have settled their loans had they followed the schedule) are also being allowed to reschedule and restructure their loans up to the age of 60.

All student borrowers must pay their debts.

PTPTN loan repayments are about ensuring the next generation of students have an opportunity to further their studies.

Please don’t delay it or deprive other deserving students of an education.