KUALA LUMPUR: National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) borrowers who achieve outstanding results in their tertiary education will be exempted from loan repayment, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said today.
The Prime Minister said PTPTN borrowers who scored First Class Bachelor's Degree would be eligible for the loan repayment exemption.
He said this applied to borrowers who graduated from 2019 onwards, irrespective of their economic background, race or religion.
"This (exemption) is to encourage students in the country to work hard in order to obtain the best result for their tertiary education," he said.
Ismail Sabri said this in his speech at the launch of PTPTN's Silver Jubilee celebration.
Present was Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad. Also in attendance were the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) chairman Apli Yusoff and chief executive officer Ahmad Dasuki Abdul Majid.
At the event, the prime minister also launched PTPTN's Education Savings Club.
"I hope PTPTN will discuss further with the Finance Ministry on this, especially on the financial implication involved to offer this privilege," he said.
PTPTN which turns 25 this year, had helped to provide access to education to all people.
Ismail Sabri said this would ensure that no members of the Keluarga Malaysia would be left behind under the country's development agenda.
"To date, PTPTN have assisted 3.67 million people in the country and provided RM66.87 billion worth of loans.
"I believe many people who benefited from PTPTN's assistance went on to achieve success through employment and standard of living, subsequently becoming 'assets' or human capital for the nation," he said.
Ismail Sabri said PTPTN also embarked in strategic cooperation in the aspects of funding and savings.