Dr M’s remarks on defaulters are spot on, say borrowers

PETALING JAYA: Many National Higher Education Fund (PTPTN) loan borrowers agreed with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s sentiments on the loan’s defaulters.

English Language student Naomi Selvamalar Ravendran, 23, said the Prime Minister’s comments on defaulters are spot on.

Describing the loan defaulters’ attitude as “negative”, Naomi said their refusal to repay PTPTN loans will affect future borrowers.

“It is a cycle. Because of defaulters, current borrowers such as myself are unable to get a full loan to fund our studies,” she said, adding that she knows of many PTPTN defaulters who are capable of repaying the loan but opt not to.

Former advertising student Iskandar, who has been religiously paying his PTPTN loan, said defaulters should feel ashamed of themselves for not making any effort to pay back the loan.

“Repayment between RM200 and RM300 a month is manageable,” he said, pointing out that students were aware of the repayment when they signed the contract with PTPTN.

He suggested the government reimplement the travel ban.

“If no action is taken on defaulters, they might feel they are not obligated to pay and can get away with it,” he said.

Law graduate Jessica Nair, 25, said there is no excuse not to pay back the loan.

“The common misconception borrowers have is that, because they earn meagre salaries, they can’t afford the repayment. But PTPTN allows you to repay even as little as RM10 a month.

“Borrowers were blessed with an opportunity to reduce their parents’ burden upon receiving the PTPTN loan, now it’s their turn to return the favour to another student whose family is struggling to make ends meet,” she said.

Meanwhile, The Star’s article on Dr Mahathir calling out to PTPTN loan defaulters have attracted over a hundred comments on Facebook, with many giving suggestions to curb the issue.

A Facebook user known as “Encik Hirman” suggested reinstating the travel ban.

“Blacklisting defaulters from travelling overseas is the right thing! Nak travel overseas got money, but want to pay back borrowings no money!” he wrote.

A separate Facebook user suggested employers deduct 10% of their employee’s salary for PTPTN repayment purposes, while another suggested they should be banned from applying for any loans from other institutions.