PTPTN loan defaulters to be taken off travel blacklist by mid-June

PUTRAJAYA: Over 400,000 National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loan defaulters will be removed from the Immigration Department's blacklist in stages by mid-June.
Education Minister Maszlee Malik said the Immigration Department has started removing the names of the defaulters since May 24 and is expected to complete the clearance by June 15 as part of Pakatan Harapan's manifesto.
He said while the clearing process is ongoing, those who face a travel ban after this at the Immigration checkpoints could contact the nearest PTPTN counters to get the names removed immediately.
However, the Central Credit Reference Information System (CCRIS) list will still be maintained for all PTPTN borrowers.
"I hope all the administrative works to clear all the blacklist will be completed by mid of June. Thus, I believe that the first promise related to my ministry will be fulfilled by mid-June," Maszlee told a press conference today after handing out offer letters for higher learning institutions to excellence students.
He said a special committee has been formed to study on the implementation of PH's promises to ensure that the policies are streamlined accordingly.
Maszlee said the committee is still reviewing in on its second promise to allow deferment for repayment for borrowers earning less than RM4,000 a month.
When asked whether the interests will be accumulated for those deferring repayment, he said he will take note of this matter as there has not been any decision on this.
Maszlee also stressed that the country is now struggling with debts, which the former government has kept from public knowledge.
"The ministry needs some more time to find the best way to fulfil this promise. Hopefully, I will make an announcement on this within the promised first 100 days time," he said.
Maszlee also urged borrowers to continue paying their loan while the ministry mulls a proper mechanism.