Kerajaan diseru pertimbang hapus hutang lapuk PTPTN peminjam tidak mampu

PTPTN loan defaulters facing financial struggles may benefit from the government's consideration of a mechanism to address risky defaults, according to PKR Youth Leader Kamil Munim. Not all borrowers have equal economic capabilities, and some are just starting out while others already have stable incomes, he explained during the PKR National Congress in Kuala Lumpur.

The proposal does not suggest wiping out PTPTN debts entirely but rather focuses on borrowers who remain in a solid or low-income category and cannot currently pay, according to clear criteria based on income and fiscal capacity. The government should use data to differentiate between borrowers who can afford payments and those who truly cannot, he said.

Previously, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that the idea of canceling PTPTN loans would be discussed with the Ministry of Higher Education after the controversy from the Johor PRN campaign. Meanwhile, Kamil suggested increasing the qualifying income threshold for free education benefits progressively based on the nation's fiscal capacity and living cost assessment.

This approach would allow more low-income and vulnerable families to benefit from education without extensive subsidies, which might be less efficient in resource allocation. The government should also review the monthly BUDI95 subsidy threshold, potentially raising it to 350 liters for higher mobility groups if world oil prices stabilize, the fiscal health of the nation improves, and the government's financial situation is more robust.

The subsidy amount of 300 liters per month for September 2025 is being adjusted to 200 liters in April 2026, reflecting the sudden increase in state subsidy burden due to regional conflicts affecting the global energy market. While acknowledging these considerations, Kamil emphasized the need for adaptable standards as circumstances change.

The proposal is not a limitless subsidy or violation of fiscal discipline; it seeks a more responsive mechanism to the people's economic conditions.