The agency, he said, is a saviour and a big financial contributor to the nation’s children in achieving their ambitions.
He said this helped them to increase the living standards of their family.
“Almost 50% out of the nearly 350,000 students accepted into institutions of higher learning each year receive PTPTN loans.
“This compares to some 27,000 borrowers who were sponsored when PTPTN was first established,” Dasuki said during a radio show on Bernama Radio recently.
“After 27 years, PTPTN has reached maturity in ensuring that no student drops out from furthering their education due to financial problems.”
He added that PTPTN introduced the loan advance payment or Wang Pendahuluan Pinjaman (WPP) in 1999, with an amount of RM1,000, which has now been increased to RM1,500 to serve as a preparation (sum) for students before they enrol in public institutions of higher learning and polytechnics.
According to him, PTPTN endeavours to change the public’s perspective so that it is not only seen as a lender and debt collector but also as an education fund for Malaysians.
He said in 2004, the first product of the National Education Savings Scheme (SSPN-i), which is now known as Simpan SSPN Prime, was launched, and in 2015, Simpan SSPN-i Plus was created.
Simpan SSPN Prime offers free matching grants of up to RM10,000 to eligible families, that is for parents whose monthly income does not exceed RM4,000.
“The perception of PTPTN as a savings fund has increased over the last two to three years through active promotion and information, including field trips to schools,” Dasuki said.
“Matching grants are finance incentives offered to children who are accepted and enrolled in any institution of higher learning recognised by the government.”
He said PTPTN helps the community to make financial plans for their children’s education from an early age, which can eventually produce debt-free graduates through Simpan SSPN.
“With the savings instrument created by PTPTN, the problem of students not being able to continue their studies can be overcome because this savings product also offers free takaful protection,” he said.
Dasuki emphasised that PTPTN’s efforts will not be stopped as its mission is to encourage savings, to ensure children will not be burdened with debt after graduation, thus reducing society’s dependence on loans.
Meanwhile, Kamal Affandi said family financial planning in terms of financial management and education is very important in a family institution.
“Education is the way out of hardship and poverty. Savings is also the best and important step for every family. So, both (education and savings) are very important for the future of children and families,” he added.