The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) is expected to hold a special press conference on Monday to explain the maximum level of salary deduction imposed on civil servants to repay their loans.

However, PTPTN chairperson Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said the explanation would only be given after they had examined all the relevant policies, or whether there was a need for PTPTN to issue a press statement on the matter.

"We will hold a press conference on Monday or issue a press release, if we have no time to hold the press conference. There are policies that we need to study," Shamsul said when contacted today.

On Tuesday, the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) said that it might withdraw the authorisation for PTPTN to make salary cuts for civil servants, if the agency continued to implement maximum deductions.

Cuepacs president Azih Muda regretted that there were civil servants whose salaries were cut at the maximum rate, adding that the action was unjustified and a further financial burden for them, amid the rising cost of living.

Azih disclosed that almost 3,000 civil servants had their salaries deducted at between 30 and 100 percent for repayment of their PTPTN loans.

- Bernama