Hajiji: 2027 Budget eases people's burden, reflects strong economy

The 2027 Budget in Malaysia introduced measures to alleviate the financial burden on graduates repaying their PTPTN loans. Borrowers earning up to RM2,500 per month will have their repayments deferred, providing much-needed relief as they start their careers and manage living expenses.

Graduates from disadvantaged households, such as those in the B40 category, will particularly benefit from this deferment. Hoh Yik Huan, a 24-year-old UPM graduate, appreciated the measure, stating it would be especially helpful for students from lower-income families. Keashananda Rajendaran, a 26-year-old UniMAP student, agreed, noting that it would give fresh graduates more financial flexibility to handle essential costs like rent, food, and transport.

Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) student Siti Humairah Abdul Rahim, 23, acknowledged that while the RM50 minimum repayment was reasonable, it could still pose a challenge for some young borrowers, depending on their financial obligations. Nur Aainaa Shazwani Sharudin, a 25-year-old UITM graduate, believed the reduced repayment amount would enable fresh graduates to commence their loan repayments while still adapting to their first salaries.

Additionally, borrowers who consistently repay their PTPTN loans will receive a 10 percent discount. These initiatives aim to ease the transition from university to the workforce, allowing young borrowers to manage their finances while beginning to repay their education loans.