PETALING JAYA: Public universities have been instructed to postpone fee collection for underprivileged students and prioritise their admission, says Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.

In an official statement on Thursday (Sept 19) through a video posted on his Facebook profile, alongside Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Zambry highlighted the issue of students struggling with university registration due to financial difficulties.

"Asyraf and I have discussed this matter multiple times, and we are committed to ensuring that every student who receives an offer successfully registers at each university," he said.

He added that universities have been directed to prioritise student acceptance, with financial arrangements, including assistance from the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), to be managed later.

"One of PTPTN's initiatives is to offer advance payments to help register new university students. I have made it clear that I don’t want to hear about students who have succeeded but couldn't attend university," Zambry said.

He added that financial issues should never be an excuse for not pursuing higher education.

Zambry urged students facing any problems to directly contact the university or the Higher Education Ministry for assistance.

“Don’t worry about fees and such, as the Ministry provides various facilities for students, and God willing, we will ease any difficulties,” he said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/19/public-universities-to-delay-fees-for-underprivileged-students