CONGRATULATIONS: Chin presents the warrant to a student.
MIRI: Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water, Datuk Seri Peter Chin yesterday reminded students not to deprive others of the opportunity in furthering their studies by not repaying study loans.
Speaking at the presentation of initial National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loan warrants to 218 students at Civic Centre here, he said, “If you don’t pay (the loans) others will not have the chance or opportunity in the future. It is important for students to repay their loans so as to ensure that the fund would revolve at all times.
“There is an obligation to help the next generation by repaying the loans to ensure the sustainability of the fund to assist others in pursuing their studies,” said Chin.
“It is nonsense for the opposition to say that they don’t have to pay to the government,” said Chin, adding that the scheme or loan is part of a student’s normal life or procedure.
Chin said the loan or scheme is to help students continue their studies.
“It is important to ensure that the fund continues to grow and strong enough to ensure many would be able to benefit from it by repaying their loans. Not many are able to afford in sending their children to continue their studies,” he said.
Each of the students yesterday received the initial loan of RM1,500 to ease the hardship and burden of their parents in sending them to institutions of higher learning.
Chin said National Higher Education Fund Corporation was established under National Higher Education Fund Corporation Act 1997 to provide for students to continue their studies at institutions of higher learning.
As of April 30, a total 12,529 have been exempted from paying back their loans after performing well in their studies.