Targeted PTPTN Aid, Scholarships Boost Social Justice, Fiscal Sustainability

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 7 (Bernama) — Initiatives by the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) announced under Budget 2026 reflect the government’s concern towards education scholarships and targeted assistance for poor families, thereby strengthening social justice and the country’s fiscal sustainability.

Among the main highlights is the implementation of PTPTN scholarships involving 5,800 students from poor families pursuing studies at Public Higher Education Institutions (IPTA) with an allocation of RM120 million a year, and, through the Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint (RPTM) 2026-2035, the number of recipients of the initiative will be increased from 5,800 to 10,000.

Al-Madinah International University Accounting and Taxation lecturer Prof Emeritus Dr Barjoyai Bardai said the targeted approach adopted by the government could reduce the burden of blanket subsidies and ensure education funds were channelled more efficiently.

“From the fiscal sustainability perspective, this approach reduces PTPTN’s liquidity risk and allows fund distribution to be made according to the country’s financial capacity,” he told Bernama.

He said the policy also reflected a shift in the government’s philosophy in managing higher education funds from general assistance to strategic social investment.

“The government is now placing greater emphasis on individual responsibility for those who can afford it, while social protection is provided to those who truly need it, to prevent fund leakages,” he said.

He also described the use of eKasih data as the most objective method at present to identify eligible recipients.

On the exemption from PTPTN loan repayments for first-class honours bachelor’s degree graduates at Public Higher Education Institutions (IPTA) from B40 and M40 families, he said it was regarded as an effective meritocracy incentive.

“It is not merely a financial reward, but a form of recognition that can motivate students to strive harder and ease the burden on families,” he said.

Commenting on the overseas travel restriction against borrowers who could afford to repay but wilfully default, Barjoyai described it as necessary enforcement as long as it was implemented with empathy.

“Firm enforcement should be imposed on those who deliberately evade their responsibilities, while room for negotiation and loan restructuring must continue to be provided to borrowers who are genuinely facing financial hardship,” he said.

Meanwhile, PTPTN borrower Ain Suraya Mohd Lazim, 29, said the financing had greatly helped her education journey, especially in covering fees and daily expenses.

“Borrowers who are able should continue making repayments as the fund is important to help the next generation of students,” she said.

Overall, PTPTN initiatives under Budget 2026 are seen as strengthening the national education financing ecosystem through a combination of targeted assistance, performance-based incentives and prudent enforcement, in line with the theme of the Fourth MADANI Budget: A Budget for the People.

— BERNAMA

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