- Ministry explores extending free PTPTN initiative to private universities.
- Focus on ensuring underprivileged students at state-owned private institutions benefit.
- Measures in place to ensure transparency and fairness in scholarship distribution.
The Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE) is exploring the possibility of extending its National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) free education initiative to underprivileged students at private higher education institutions. Deputy Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim revealed that discussions are underway to expand the Anak eKasih Scholarship to students at state-owned private universities.
While these institutions are categorized as private, Adam Adli emphasized that many students at these universities come from low-income backgrounds and should not be excluded from the initiative. However, he noted that the ministry would need to assess the country’s fiscal position before making any final decisions on expanding the program to these students.
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Adam Adli also clarified the government’s approach to ensuring fairness and transparency in the PTPTN initiative. He explained that recipients must not receive other sponsorships simultaneously, and all applications are carefully screened against data from eKasih and other sponsoring agencies to ensure only qualified students receive support. Any recipient found violating the terms would have their sponsorship terminated.
