Unable to pay fees, Iyad nearly missed exam
Lead PETALING JAYA – A 20‑year‑old orphan from Pasir Mas, Kelantan, Muhamad Iyad Addian faced the possibility of missing his final examinations after being unable to pay the first semester fees at Kolej Poly‑Tech…
Source: Kosmo! · August 17, 2026 at 9:51 PM · AI-assisted report
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KUALA LUMPUR, 18 AUGUST 2026 —
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Lead PETALING JAYA – A 20‑year‑old orphan from Pasir Mas, Kelantan, Muhamad Iyad Addian faced the possibility of missing his final examinations after being unable to pay the first semester fees at Kolej Poly‑Tech Mara (KPTM) Bangi.
Market Impact
The student, who is studying Sports Management, was rescued from financial hardship by the chairman of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), Datuk Dr. Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, who secured a fee waiver and potential full funding for the remainder of his course.
Background Iyad lost his mother in January 2021 at age 16 due to complications from diabetes and kidney disease. Six months later, his father died from the same illness. After completing the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) in 2022, he was forced to postpone university entry because of limited finances. He worked at a local eatery for nearly two years, saving modestly while covering living expenses.
Despite the loss of both parents, Iyad continued to pursue his education, demonstrating resilience and self‑reliance.
Current Development MARA’s chairman learned of Iyad’s plight through a community activist, Kak Lah, and arranged a meeting with the student. Dr. Asyraf Wajdi noted that Iyad was ineligible for MARA loans due to SPM performance criteria, leaving him unable to cover tuition. He subsequently contacted the CEO of KPTM to request a fee exemption for the upcoming exams.
“If the decision is favourable, MARA will provide full financing until he completes his studies,” he said. In addition, Dr. Asyraf offered to adopt Iyad, pledging support until graduation. The outcome of the fee waiver request remains pending, but the intervention has prevented Iyad from being barred from the final assessment.
Malaysia Market Impact The case highlights the broader issue of student debt and access to higher education in Malaysia. While MARA traditionally offers scholarships and loans to students from lower‑income families, eligibility criteria can exclude those with lower SPM grades. Iyad’s situation underscores the need for more flexible financial support mechanisms, especially for students who face sudden family tragedies.
If MARA’s intervention succeeds, it could set a precedent for similar cases, potentially influencing policy discussions on student aid and loan forgiveness.
Sector/Company Specifics Kolej Poly‑Tech Mara, a private institution under the MARA umbrella, offers vocational and technical courses, including Sports Management. The college’s fee structure is typically subsidised for MARA‑eligible students, but the institution must approve individual waivers on a case‑by‑case basis. The CEO’s involvement in Iyad’s case demonstrates the college’s willingness to collaborate with MARA to retain students facing financial hardship. No other companies or sectors are directly implicated in this specific incident.
Outlook If the fee waiver is granted, Iyad will be able to sit for his final examinations and continue his studies without interruption. The potential full funding from MARA would also alleviate long‑term financial pressure, allowing him to focus on academic performance. The case may prompt MARA and KPTM to review their eligibility criteria and consider more inclusive support for students who experience sudden financial crises. Details not yet available.
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