PTPTN aid to help students fulfil dreams

Mohammad Hafis Hamzah, a 20-year-old student from Tasek Gelugor, Malaysia, was initially unable to pursue his dream of attending university due to financial difficulties faced by his family. However, he has been given a second chance to study at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) with the help of the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN)’s RM1,500 Loan Advance Payment (WPP).

Hafis, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Education (History) with Honours, mentioned that he took on various part-time jobs and saved money in case another opportunity presented itself. His single mother, who sells nasi lemak roadside, also contributes to supporting their family's education expenses. For Hafis, education is the key to changing their circumstances, and he is determined to make the most of this opportunity.

The WPP will be used to cover his tuition fees. Hafis, along with 13 other students from Pokok Tampang, Taman Sepadu, and Kubang Menerong, received their WPP offer letters recently from PTPTN chairman Datuk Seri Norliza Abdul Rahim. PTPTN's Director for Penang, Muhammad Muhsin Abdul Rahman, was also present at the event.

Norliza emphasized that the organization is committed to providing financial support to students from diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic groups. She explained that WPP is one of the strategic initiatives introduced to offer students early financial assistance, thereby helping their families meet essential expenses prior to their entry into public universities and polytechnics.

Mohamad Haris Md Rafi, another recipient, highlighted that the WPP will help students meet their initial expenses, such as purchasing study essentials and paying fees. As the youngest of five siblings, Haris expressed his gratitude for the assistance, as it alleviates his family's financial burden. Recipient Nurul Danish Dayana Muhammad Fakrul, who is also 20, stated that the WPP demonstrates that financial constraints should not hinder students from pursuing higher education.

At a separate event in George Town, 20 students received the WPP aid from PTPTN Director Muhammad Muhsin Abdul Rahman. One of the recipients, J. Ruban Raj, a 20-year-old aspiring to study Information Technology at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), expressed his appreciation, noting that the RM1,500 assistance provides ample opportunity for students to pursue higher education.

Tan Wan Ying, 20, who plans to major in Biology Education at Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), shared her gratitude for the assistance. She had taken on various jobs, including working as a barista and teaching Bahasa Melayu, to save money. Wan Ying expressed her hope that PTPTN will continue to provide such support, particularly to students from less privileged families.

PTPTN recently commenced the distribution of WPP on September 4 and aims to ease families' financial burdens while helping students meet initial expenses. A total of 26,457 students were offered WPP for the September intake of bachelor degree programs at public universities and polytechnics, with an allocation of RM39.7 million.

The WPP is part of the PTPTN loan, and students can check their WPP offers through the myPTPTN application. The WPP can be cashed at Bank Islam counters nationwide using the offer letter and MyKad, with the offer being valid until November 3.