The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) has so far been unable to achieve its target of collecting RM15 billion in money loaned out since it was set up 19 years ago.

Its chairman Datuk Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said from 1997 until February this year, PTPTN could only recover RM7.49 billion.

"Although there has been an increase in the amount collected monthly by PTPTN through various approaches such as salary deductions, we have not yet achieved the target.

"Since PTPTN was set up until now, we have given out RM55 billion to borrowers and we targeted getting back at least RM15 billion," he told reporters after a students' programme with PTPTN and the Welfare Body of the Wives of Perak Elected Representatives (Baiduri), here, Thursday.

Shamsul Anuar said PTPTN was still looking at the best way of implementing salary cuts for the borrowers in other sectors in order to recover the loans.

"We use different approaches for different sectors, but what is important is to achieve our target," he said.

At the event, Yayasan Perak donated RM9,400 into the National Education Savings Scheme (SSPN-i) for 47 students of Sekolah Kebangsaan Raja Perempuan Muzwin, here.

The donation was presented by the Perak Menteri Besar's wife, Datin Seri Sharipah Zulkifli.

PTPTN also donated essential items to the families of 50 students to lighten their burden.