GOMBAK, April 11 – The government is considering a review of the loan interest rates and repayment terms under the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) to better support borrowers and address the growing concern over the high amount of outstanding debt.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that the review is intended to provide more effective assistance to borrowers while also tackling the increasing debt burden.

As of now, PTPTN’s total outstanding debt is nearing RM40 billion.

“If we continue increasing the loan amount, it might reach RM50 billion. For the time being, I believe we need to focus on survival. We will continue to support students based on their needs, but I think we are committed to carrying out a review,” Anwar said.

He reiterated a point he had previously raised, emphasizing that the issue can be resolved through specific measures. “If we take a few steps, such as imposing taxes on the ultra-wealthy, we can make progress. Their very rich parents should contribute, and only then can we redirect assistance to students who are truly in need,” he explained.

Anwar made these remarks during a question-and-answer session at the Meet Anwar@IIUM: A Special Homecoming program held at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in Gombak.

In a separate matter, the Prime Minister also touched on the implementation of the Travel Control Office/Order (TCO) status within the national border control system, stating that it can be applied to all dignitaries in the country.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim clarified that he himself had been placed under the same status by the relevant authorities.

“All VIPs, or dignitaries, are affected. I am affected as well,” Anwar added.

This comes after the Menteri Besar of Terengganu, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, claimed that he had been flagged and marked as an individual under TCO status in the border control system by the authorities.