Plight of students who do not qualify for PTPTN assistance.
As a concerned citizen and someone who is all for accessible education, I would like to express my deep concern regarding the insufficient financial support for students pursuing higher education in Malaysia.
While the government’s PTPTN study loans aim to help students in paying for their education, I believe there is still a significant gap that needs to be addressed urgently.
One of the most pressing issues is the plight of students who do not qualify for PTPTN assistance due to the income level of their parents. As some students do not meet the set criteria for the loans, many of them face genuine financial hardships that hinder their ability to pursue their studies.
I have a daughter in university and she shared many stories on how students are forced to live on a shoestring budget. This creates an unfair barrier to education for deserving students, who could one day contribute to the nation’s development through their skills and knowledge.
Even among those who do receive PTPTN loans, the funds may not always be sufficient to cover the full cost of their education. With the rising expenses associated with tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, and other essential living costs, many students find themselves struggling to make ends meet. This financial burden not only affects their academic performance but also adds to their stress and anxiety, undermining their overall well-being.
It is heartening to see some institutions, such as Segi University, have taken proactive steps to address this issue by offering schemes similar to PTPTN specifically tailored for students from B40 families. This is a great help to students facing financial difficulties.
I believe there are other universities also offering such help. However, they are the exceptions rather than the norm. The government and more universities or colleges should follow suit and implement more such support systems to ensure that no student is left behind due to financial constraints.
To begin with, the government can consider revising the eligibility criteria for PTPTN loans to include students who may not meet the income criteria but can demonstrate genuine financial need. Additionally, there should be greater transparency and efficiency in the disbursement of funds to minimise delays and uncertainties faced by students.
Moreover, universities and colleges should explore alternative financing options, such as scholarships, grants, and work-study programs, to supplement existing financial aid schemes. I believe collaborations with private corporations and non-profit organisations can also provide additional resources to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
All Malaysians should realise that investing in the education of our youth is not just a morally correct decision but also a strategic move for the future prosperity of our nation. By ensuring that every student has equal access to quality education, regardless of their financial circumstances, we can unlock the full potential of our children and build a more inclusive and equitable society.
The views expressed here are strictly those of Chew Choon Lai.