Attracted to the offer of 20 percent discount for debtors who makes full settlement of their National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loan, Safura Foo decided to pay all her outstanding balance of RM18,449.35 in March, 2015.
However, her joy and relief of being a debt-free person lasted only until May this year when she was stopped at the KL International Airport (KLIA) and was told by the Immigration officer that she was barred from travelling overseas as her name had been blacklisted.
"I was at the airport, ready for my trip to Melbourne, Australia. Imagine my shock when I was told that I cannot travel overseas and that my name has been blacklisted because I still have PTPTN loan arrears of over RM3,000.
"To unblacklist my name, I was asked to pay RM1,000 and due to the urgent situation, I made the payment online," she told Bernama.
However, the former photography student from Segi College still harbored anger and disappointment toward PTPTN and wondered why she was still in PTPTN debtor's category even after she had made full settlement of the loan more than a year ago.
Upon her return from Melbourne, Safura went to PTPTN office in Kuala Lumpur to seek clarification and was told that she allegedly had arrears of over RM3,000 because 'the cheque was not cleared' – an answer she found very disappointing.
"I'm very disappointed. Why is it that, after settling all the payments, the records were not updated and for over a year, I have not received any notification letter or notice?
"I have lodged a complaint about this almost a month ago, but the PTPTN has yet to give any feedback," she said.
Safura said she was also informed by the Immigration officer at the KLIA that hers was not the first case and that many had been 'forced' to make the immediate payment of RM1,000 at the airport to unblacklist their names so that they could travel overseas.
A debtor, who only wanted to be known as Kho, 33, also expressed his disappointment when his application to repay the loan through salary deduction had been kept in limbo since August last year.
He said he had repeatedly went to the PTPTN counter to ask about the status of his application, but nothing had been forthcoming.
"The problem is not that debtors wouldn't pay, it's the process and bureaucracy that make it difficult.
I really hope that the government and the PTPTN could do something about this so that all the PTPTN loan arrears, which were said to have reach billions of ringgit, could be reduced," he added.
Bernama
Sun Jun 26 2016
Despite paying their loan in full, several debtors claim they still could not get their names erased from the blacklist.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.