Tan says the initiative would be particularly effective in supporting graduates from low and middle-income families. – Bernama Photo
KUCHING (Nov 26): Sarawak’s decision to provide discounts on Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional (PTPTN) loan repayments can encourage a more responsible repayment culture while easing the financial burden of graduates facing rising living costs.
Sarawak United National Youth Organisation (Saberkas) Batu Lintang branch secretary Wilson Tan said the initiative would be particularly effective in supporting graduates from low and middle-income families.
“When students see that the government is willing to reward responsible repayments with discounts, they are more likely to repay their loans on time,” he said in a statement.
Tan added that the measure could also indirectly motivate more students to pursue tertiary studies without being overly worried about long-term debt, especially if they know there is support from the Sarawak government.
“This contributes to a more educated workforce, who will drive Sarawak’s social and economic development in the long run,” he said.
On Monday when tabling the Supply (2026) Bill at the State Legislative Assembly sitting, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced a RM15 million allocation to continue subsidising PTPTN repayments for eligible Sarawakian borrowers.
He said that to date, RM117 million has been disbursed, directly benefitting around 33,000 Sarawakian PTPTN borrowers.