PTPTN borrowers should update info before grace period ends

THE National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) is urging all borrowers who have accrued an outstanding balance after the one-year grace period to update their personal information, or it will be understood that they do not wish to delay their repayment.

Borrowers have until July 25 to do so. PTPTN chairman Wan Saiful Wan Jan said the information would help PTPTN identify those who earn less than RM4,000.

“If it is not done within the stipulated time, we will assume that they don’t wish to delay the repayment of their loans and they will not be included in new policies with regards to the matter,” he said.

PTPTN has also asked the Employees Provident Fund and Inland Revenue Board for assistance on borrowers’ details and data.

Wan Saiful said the cooperation would not only help PTPTN to speed up its policy-making process, but would also enable the corporation to verify the information provided by borrowers at the same time. The information comprises the borrower’s occupation, salary, phone number and e-mail address.

As part of its GE14 manifesto, the Pakatan Harapan Government has pledged to allow fresh graduates who earn less than RM4,000 to delay settling their loans.

However, Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik announced last month that borrowers who fall within this income group will have to continue paying their loans for now until the Government has worked out a way to fulfil its manifesto pledge.

Wan Saiful said PTPTN was facing difficulty in obtaining income details due to the Personal Data Protection Act 2010.

“We have sent a request to the agencies and the Finance Minister to assist us with this information,” he added.

Borrowers can update their information on the corporation’s official portal, www.ptptn. gov.my, under “Pengemaskinian Maklumat Pendapat”.