RM317,000 PTPTN Assistance Benefits 634 UPSI, PTSS Students

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 3 (Bernama) -- A total of 634 students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) and Politeknik Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin (PTSS) have benefited from the Bantuan Lestari Siswa MADANI initiative, involving RM317,000 in assistance from the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN).

PTPTN chief executive Ahmad Dasuki Abdul Majid said the assistance comprised RM285,500 for 571 UPSI students and RM31,500 for 63 PTSS students, all of whom are PTPTN borrowers from low-income families.

“Each student received a one-off payment of RM500, credited directly into their respective bank accounts. The initiative aims to help students cope with financial challenges and provide additional support throughout their studies at higher education institutions (IPTs),” he said in a statement today.

He said the aid reflected PTPTN’s commitment, as an agency under the Ministry of Higher Education, to ensuring that the welfare of students in need continued to receive attention and support so they could pursue their studies with greater peace of mind.

“I hope the assistance will be put to good use to help meet their needs throughout their studies. May this support motivate students to remain focused on their education and pursue their aspirations with confidence,” he said.

Ahmad Dasuki said the initiative would be strengthened to help students overcome challenges during their studies and develop into knowledgeable, skilled and competitive individuals.

He said education was an important foundation for building a better future for individuals, families and society.

Ahmad Dasuki presented the assistance to UPSI students at a ceremony at Dewan Sultan Idris Training College (SITC), Sultan Abdul Jalil Shah Campus, UPSI, Tanjung Malim, Perak, on Sept 29.

Also present were UPSI deputy vice-chancellor (Student and Alumni Affairs) Prof Dr Norkhalid Salimin, PTPTN senior general manager (Corporate Communications and Marketing) Wan Zawiah Wan Abu Bakar and Perak PTPTN Office director Andi Nurali Mohamed.

Meanwhile, PTPTN chief financial officer Azhar Ahmad presented the assistance to PTSS students at a ceremony at the PTSS Main Lecture Hall in Arau, Perlis, yesterday.

PTSS director Khairul Anuar Ishak and Perlis PTPTN Office director Raja Syahriman Raja Halimul Rashid were also present.

The Bantuan Lestari Siswa MADANI initiative was introduced to ease the financial burden and provide living support for students from low-income backgrounds at IPTs.

-- BERNAMA