Khaled said a targeted programme would involve 1.84 million borrowers and loans worth RM42.3 billion.
He was responding to a question from Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN-Machang) in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Wan Fayhsal had asked when the government will introduce targeted PTPTN loan abolition for B40 households and the number of borrowers who will benefit from it.
Khaled said the government has been implementing several policies to ease loan repayments such as allowing postponements if the borrower is pursuing further studies or is unemployed.
He also noted that the government has allowed loan repayments to be restructured based on the borrowers’ financial capabilities.
“(PTPTN) also provides discounts if the loan is paid in full. Loan repayments also only begin 12 months after the borrowers have completed their higher studies to give them time to earn a stable income,” he said.
In an additional question, Wan Fayhsal wondered if the government has the political will to abolish PTPTN loans since Pakatan Harapan promised to do so in its election manifesto for the 15th general election (GE15).
He was interrupted by Rafizi Ramli (PH-Pandan), who said PH did not make such a promise.
“This is a lie that is against (Clause) 36(12) of the Standing Orders (of the Dewan Rakyat), and I hope the Dewan will take action,” Rafizi said.
Deputy Speaker Ramli Nor asked him to file a written complaint to the Speaker’s office.
‘Do not politicise PTPTN issue’
Khaled called on MPs not to politicise the PTPTN loan abolition issue when asked by Ahmad Yahya (PN-Pokok Sena) whether Putrajaya was unwilling or unable to commit to doing so.
In comparison, Ahmad said former prime minister Muhyiddin Yassin was able to abolish a portion of Felda settlers’ loans amounting to RM8.3 billion in July 2021.
Khaled said none of the coalitions, whether PH, Perikatan Nasional or Barisan Nasional, had ever decided to totally abolish PTPTN loan repayments.
He also said PN’s Tasek Gelugor MP, Wan Saiful Wan Jan, did not make any move to abolish PTPTN loans when he chaired the body from 2018 until mid-2022.
“Therefore, I think we should stop politicising this PTPTN (loan abolition) issue,” he said.