The issue surrounding the government's student loan scheme is the latest in a long line of failed election promises by Anwar Ibrahim's coalition.

Borrowers say the education loan repayment incentives in Budget 2023 have helped reduce their financial stress and manage loan delinquencies.

The initiative, which started in March, covers four categories.

Higher Education Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin says preliminary estimates show that such a scheme would involve 1.84 million borrowers and a total cancellation of RM42.34 billion.

While these issues are expected to attract the attention of voters, analysts say Pakatan Harapan might exercise more caution about them this time around.

The government has also agreed to provide loans for the purchase of laptops to PTPTN borrowers in the M40 group.

Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob says this is to encourage the youth to work hard and score well in their studies.

They are among 2,424,009 borrowers who had completed their studies and were supposed to repay their loans amounting to almost RM24.6 billion.

As of September, PTPTN had collected RM15.5 billion in loan repayments.

Those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic can apply for deferrals from tomorrow to Aug 31.

Eligible borrowers can submit their applications beginning Jan 5.

Higher Education Minister Noraini Ahmad says this will be subject to the takaful reserves for the institutions concerned beginning next year.