LUMUT: The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) will take action against 430,000 borrowers who have never made repayments, totalling RM6 billion.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir said the irresponsible attitude of these individuals has put PTPTN's financial position at risk. Some of the defaulters have graduated decades ago without making a single repayment.
"This is a category that hasn't cared from the first day they left (university), they haven't informed us of their situation, where they work, or how they intend to (make repayments).
—There should be discussions. They simply don't care about paying back.
"We have had in-depth discussions at the cabinet level for the next steps.
"I do not deny that follow-up actions will be taken against them, including legal action," he said after the PTPTN Loan Advance (WPP) presentation ceremony to 215 students from the Lumut and Beruas parliamentary constituencies at a hotel here today (Sept 21).
Also present was PTPTN chairperson Datuk Seri Norliza Abdul Rahim.
Details on the timeframe of the cases and the type of action to be taken against these defaulters will be announced by Norliza in the near future.
"However, I want to emphasise once again that we will remain considerate.
"We understand the (economic) situation, but I urge them to come forward (to PTPTN) and explain their circumstances.
"They must also have a moral responsibility, because once they repay, the money will be used to help the next generation."
Meanwhile, Zambry said 26,534 students were offered a Loan Advance of RM1,500 each for their entry into public higher education institutions for undergraduate studies starting next month.
He also assured that his ministry will fully cooperate with the police in tracking down the spread of teachings related to GISB among students and lecturers in higher learning institutions.