PTPTN defaulters to be off travel blacklist
> Immigration will complete removal process by mid-June
PUTRAJAYA: Over 400,000 National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loan defaulters will be removed from the Immigration Department’s blacklist in stages by mid-June.
Education Minister Maszlee Malik said the Immigration Department had started removing defaulters’ names since May 24 and is expected to complete the clearance by June 15 as part of Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) manifesto.
He said while the clearing process is ongoing, those who face a travel ban after this at the Immigration checkpoints could contact the nearest PTPTN counters to get their names removed immediately.
However, the Central Credit Reference Information System list will still be maintained for all PTPTN borrowers.
“I hope all the administrative work to clear the blacklist will be completed by mid-June. Thus, I believe that the first promise related to my ministry will be fulfilled by then,” he told a media conference yesterday after handing out offer letters for higher learning institutions to students of excellence.
He said a special committee has been formed to study the implementation of PH’s promises to ensure that the policies are streamlined accordingly.
Maszlee said the committee is still looking at PH’s second promise to allow repayment deferment to PTPTN borrowers earning less than RM4,000 a month.
When asked whether the interests will be accumulated for those deferring repayment, he said he will take note of this matter as no decision has been made yet.
Maszlee added the country is now struggling with debts, which the former government kept from public knowledge.
“The ministry needs more time to find the best way to fulfil this promise.
“Hopefully I will make an announcement on this within the first 100 days as promised.”
Maszlee also urged borrowers to continue paying their loans while the ministry mulls a proper mechanism.