KUCHING: The Sarawak Foundation may emulate the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) to blacklist students.Its director Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki said the foundation was toying with the idea of having the names of those who failed to pay back published in the local newspapers before taking legal actions, if deemed necessary.
He said the repayment of disbursed fund was around 70 per cent, and described the collection as “satisfying despite some records of bad debts.”
“Last year, we collected RM6.1 million. I do not deny that some borrowers have problems paying back,” he told a media briefing at the new headquarters of the foundation at Jalan Sultan Tengah near here yesterday.
“We can work closely with the Immigration Department and the National Registration Department to disallow the blacklisted students from travelling out of Malaysia.”
Abu Bakar disclosed that the foundation disbursed around RM28 million annually to help needy students pursue further studies.
As far as he is concerned, that is a lot of money.
The fund is for the foundation’s various schemes which come under the following categories, namely lower education, higher education, skills and technical education, and community development.
On eligibility to apply for the various schemes, Abu Bakar explained that the foundation was for every Sarawakian students, regardless of race and religion.
“Some people are still confused whether the Chinese can apply. The Sarawak Foundation is for all, and our role is to ensure that no student should be deprived of the opportunity to pursue their studies due to financial problems.
“It is our principle to assist any children who need educational assistance and they can contact us anytime,” he said.
Abu Bakar pointed out that the Bakun Trust Fund had so far benefited some 2,000 students in the Belaga district, from primary school to higher education levels.
He said most Orang Ulu were aware of the importance of education although some students chose to work at logging camps after completing their secondary school education.
“Our officers do go to the ground and we always encourage them to pursue higher studies,” he said, adding that recently nine students from a resettlement in Belaga had decided to pursue higher education.
Noting that the media had highlighted some cases of failed applications, Abu Bakar said these applicants should have approach his officers before making it public.
“There are many things we do not know. If anyone has any problems regarding application with the Sarawak Foundation, come to us first instead of going to the media,” he advised.
The foundation’s RM18 million new headquarters, which was completed last month, complex comprises an auditorium, a multi-purpose hall, a gymnasium centre, a library, a football pitch, futsal facilities, a sepak takraw court and a surau. Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud is expected to declare it opened on May 27.
For more information, visit www.yayasansarawak .org.my or e-mail to [email protected].
Their phone numbers are 082-441686 and 082-440023/440035 (fax).