Penang Student Who Scored 8As in SPM Receives RM1,000 Support After Losing Mother Days Before Aidilfitri

The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) has extended a helping hand to an outstanding SPM 2025 student from Penang through its Ziarah Kasih Programme, channelling RM1,000 into a Simpan SSPN Prime account to ease her financial burden ahead of higher education.

Nur Surfina Arissa Shukri Abdullah, who scored 8As in her SPM examinations, lives in Bandar Tasek Mutiara, Simpang Ampat. The contribution was presented at her home by PTPTN chairman Datuk Seri Norliza Abdul Rahim.

Nur Surfina, an only child, recently lost her mother, the late Suriati Dollah, on 16 March, three days before Aidilfitri, due to cancer.

“Losing a mother is undoubtedly a deeply impactful experience and a major challenge in continuing life and pursuing one’s ambitions,” Norliza said. “PTPTN hopes this contribution will serve as a catalyst of encouragement for her to keep moving forward towards a brighter future.”

The Ziarah Kasih Programme is part of PTPTN’s corporate social responsibility commitment, aimed at assisting asnaf (tithe recipient) groups while fostering closer ties with the community.

Simpan SSPN offers several benefits, including income tax relief of up to RM8,000 annually, free takaful protection, a matching grant of up to RM10,000 for eligible families, competitive dividend rates, and government guarantee with Shariah compliance.

Under Budget 2025, the government expanded the criteria for the Matching Grant through the Ihsan Matching Grant Initiative (GAPAI) to families earning above RM4,000 up to RM6,000 for a period of two years.

Simpan SSPN Plus also offers six savings packages ranging from RM30 to RM500 per month, with takaful protection benefits of up to RM1.2 million and death benefits for depositors and their families.

Source: Bernama