31/08/2025

NATIONAL 4 theSun on Sunday AUG 31, 2025 RM59 million for KL infrastructure renewal

Govt urged to revisit earlier plans for student loan relief KUALA LUMPUR: Former National Higher Education Fund Corporation chairman Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan has urged the government to revisit proposals made in 2020 that could offer relief to borrowers, particularly those earning below RM4,000 a month. In an interview with theSun , the Tasek Gelugor MP said despite a comprehensive presentation made to the Cabinet just a week before the resignation of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, the plan has yet to be implemented or even revisited by the current administration. “I presented a mechanism (in which) those earning under RM4,000 monthly would be exempted from repayments. We found a way after years of study and the Cabinet, in principle, did not object. But Tun resigned the following week and the plan was shelved.” He lamented that the proposal has not been revived, despite its relevance and feasibility, adding that only minor adjustments are needed to align the plan with the present economic climate. He also said the core of the issue surrounding the corporation is its unsustainable financial structure. “The challenge is not about who is paying. It is the business model itself. “The corporation borrows money from the market at a higher interest rate and lends it to students at a lower rate. The gap between the two is what causes financial strain year after year.” He said the corporation’s current liabilities could be in the range of RM50 billion to RM60 billion, adding that the situation poses a challenge for the nation. “When I was chairman, I raised this issue. I said the model must be reformed. “But Covid-19 happened and all attention shifted to public welfare.” He added that reforms are necessary not just for the benefit of borrowers, but to ensure long-term viability. “This is not just about helping low-income (students). If we do not fix the model, the corporation will keep accumulating debt.” On another matter, Wan Saiful welcomed the idea of state governments helping citizens pay their student loans. “There is nothing stopping any party from helping. Sarawak is already doing it. “Any state could assist their citizens if they have surplus revenue.” – By Ikhwan Zulkaflee message we send to those who worked hard to repay.” He added that the corporation remains open to collaboration with state governments that want to ease the burden of their students. “States are welcome to settle debts for their residents. But it must be understood that this is not a federal obligation. It is a state initiative.” He said while Shafie’s pledge may be politically attractive, the feasibility of abolishing student loans rests on a state’s financial strength and long-term planning. “At the federal level, we are committed to ensuring education remains accessible. But structural reforms and fiscal discipline are key.”

KUALA LUMPUR: The Housing and Local Government Ministry has approved nearly RM59.9 million for infrastructure renewal and upgrading works across Kuala Lumpur under the Rolling Plan 5 of the 12th Malaysia Plan. Minister Nga Kor Ming said the allocation would fund more than a hundred projects, ranging from housing maintenance and firefighting facilities to parks, public transport and community empowerment initiatives. “This funding reflects the determination of the government to improve quality of life through inclusive and sustainable development,” he told reporters after visiting the Bandar Tasik Selatan low-cost apartments during the Sentuhan Kasih KPKT 3.0 event yesterday. Among the details announced were RM27.8 million for housing maintenance programmes, RM16.9 million for upgrading federal parks, RM6.76 million for bus stops and covered walkways and RM4.58 million for new fire stations and equipment. Additional allocations include RM1.52 million for non-Muslim houses of worship, RM1 million for urban planning studies, RM666,000 for community economic empowerment and RM600,000 for the Kampung Baru development. Nga said the ministry would work with seven agencies under its portfolio to ensure the projects are carried out effectively. At an earlier event at the Cheras Baptist Church, Nga announced a separate RM50 million allocation under the non-Muslim houses of worship initiative. Move reflects determination to improve quality of life via inclusive, sustainable development: Minister Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

(From right) Nga, Maimunah and Wan Azizah posing for a photograph with residents during the event. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

initiatives. Sabah, comparatively, has about RM7 billion in revenue. So, if any future Sabah leadership believes they have the capacity, it could be done at a state level.” He also raised concerns about fairness if the student loans were to be abolished. “At present, about 85% of borrowers are repaying their loans, although not all are consistent. Only a small percentage default entirely. So, if we write off 50% of outstanding loans, what about those who have been paying all this while?” He said any national decision to cancel loans must take into account the sentiments of those who have fulfilled their obligations. “The issue is not just financial, it is also ethical. We have to consider what committed to implementing the initiative,” he said. “This ensures the allocations provided are distributed equitably.” The event saw Nga and his delegation visiting four project sites. It included a mock cheque handover at the church, an inspection of upgraded public toilets and bus stops at Taman Tasik Permaisuri and visiting the Lestari Niaga site at Jalan Jujur, designed to provide organised spaces for local entrepreneurs. The visit culminated at Bandar Tasik Selatan, where he was joined by Bandar Tun Razak MP Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif. The trio also met residents to discuss local issues, including housing upkeep and community needs.

to assist their citizens if they have the financial means. He was responding to a recent comment by Warisan president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, who said his party would abolish loans for Sabah students if they came to power. “If a state government decides to settle the loans of its students, (the corporation) is open to that cooperation,” Mustapha told theSun in a recent interview. He also said Sarawak has implemented a similar initiative in which it has introduced measures to pay off student loans for Sarawakians, using its own revenue. “Sarawak has the financial capacity. With an annual revenue of about RM16 billion, it has reserves large enough to support such The funding, channelled through Budget 2025, is aimed at repairs, renovations and emergency works for eligible organisations nationwide. “In celebrating our diversity, the ministry is committed to ensuring this initiative is carried out professionally, efficiently and transparently.” “In Kuala Lumpur, 15 organisations received RM1.48 million in 2024, while 10 more secured RM1.52 million this year as of Aug 21,” he said, adding that more applications are being processed. He also tied the initiative to the Malaysia Madani framework, stressing the importance of national unity. “A Malay child is our child. A Chinese child is our child. An Indian child is our child. And we are all Malaysian children. “In celebrating Malaysia’s religious diversity, the ministry remains

RM72 billion allocated for higher education

Ű BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: The government has allocated over RM72 billion to the National Higher Education Fund Corporation, demonstrating its commitment to making higher education accessible to all Malaysians. Higher Education Deputy Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said for this effort to continue, a sustainable financing model is needed to support future generations of students. He said any move to abolish or settle student loans falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government, but state governments have the autonomy