Borrowers in favour of everyone paying their dues

PETALING JAYA: National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loan borrowers think it is fair for everyone to begin repaying their dues – even if they are not earning above RM4,000 yet.

Kavi Arasu Tanjong Malai, 28, thinks that the move “is good” but said that the government should consider the borrowers’ situation before demanding for repayment.

The assistant marketing manager said he knew of people earning above RM4,000 who had to take care of their parents’ high medical bills and could not afford to service their study loans.

“Our monthly and medical expenses have been increasing, and the government should first review the basic needs of the people.

“We can talk about loan repayments later,” he said, adding that he was however not in favour of completely avoiding repayment.

He said those facing problems paying back their loans should speak to PTPTN about restructuring their repayment.

Jessica Chan Mei Ling, 29, also agreed that it was a good move by the government.

“Whatever has been borrowed will need to be paid back,” she said, adding that this applied to all borrowers and not just those earning a certain amount.

“This way, borrowers will learn how to better manage their finances, and it is also good for their credit score,” she said.

Stephanie Aeria, 27, said while this might not be the most efficient move, she believed that it was the best way to give everyone a “push” to make them pay their loans.

She pointed out that monthly instalments were about RM100 to RM200 for most people.

“People are always coming up with reasons why they can’t pay when they actually can afford this,” she said, adding that there were those who earned above RM4,000 but still refused to repay their loans.

E-commerce executive Rodney Yoong said people should not complain about repaying their study loans, especially those who could afford to travel for vacation.

The 25-year-old said should borrowers default on their PTPTN loans, this would prevent it from helping students in the future.

Apologetic: Wan Saiful explaining to reporters on why he had to go back on the promise made in the Pakatan election manifesto to defer PTPTN loans for those earning less than RM4,000.