‘Haram’ not to repay PTPTN loans, says Penang mufti

 

Penang mufti Sukki Othman said it is clearly forbidden in Islam to delay repaying a debt, especially if one has the financial means to do so. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

It is considered “haram” or forbidden for Muslims not to repay their National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loans without valid reasons, says Penang mufti Sukki Othman.

Sukki said such actions are clearly forbidden in Islam, especially if the borrower has the means but deliberately delays repaying the debt.

He said failing to pay off PTPTN loans denies other students the opportunity to access these funds.

“Imagine if a debtor dies. They will be held accountable for the debt they have not repaid. If they have an inheritance, their debt must be settled first before being distributed to the heirs,” he said, reported Berita Harian.

“Such is the weight of a debtor’s responsibility. Therefore, Islam advises its followers to avoid debt unless it is absolutely necessary. Settle your debts promptly to be rewarded in life and the hereafter.”

The dean of UKM’s Islamic studies faculty, Izhar Arif Kashim, said that everyone who obtains financing through PTPTN must realise that repaying an educational loan is just like repaying debts involving other assets such as vehicles and homes.

“This money is intended to help students in need to continue their education,” he said.

“It is haram and sinful if we neglect repaying such debts and we will be held accountable in the hereafter.”

They were commenting on a Berita Harian report today which stated that retirees are among PTPTN borrowers who have yet to pay off their loans.

PTPTN chairman Norliza Abdul Rahim said they recorded RM11.32 billion in loan arrears involving 1.25 million defaulting borrowers as of September 2024.

Norliza said it was important for borrowers to repay their loans so that PTPTN can continue giving out education loans,. The corporation needs about RM3 billion a year to cover the 450,000 existing borrowers in universities and 150,000 new borrowers every year.

In September, higher education minister Zambry Abdul Kadir said 430,000 PTPTN borrowers have never made a single repayment to the corporation, although some of them have long established themselves in their careers. -FMT