Sighs of relief have greeted the National Higher Education Fund Corporation's (PTPTN) decision to move its loan-payment counter service to transport hub KL Sentral.

The government-backed body has received plaudits for setting up a one-stop centre to serve borrowers, who previously had to go to the head office in Damansara. Loans may be repaid via the counter service or online.

The study-loan programme, established in 1997, provides assistance to students who gain admission to local public universities but who face financial constraints.

To date, some 960,000 students have benefitted from RM12.6 worth of PTPTN loans. It was previously reported, however, that thousands have failed to repay their loans and more than 100 have been taken to court to date.

Higher Education Minister Mustapa Mohamed opened the new premises last Friday. The move falls under the Revolution for Educational Excellence programme, which aims to improve customer services.

The one-stop centre is located at Level 2 of KL Sentral, with the entrance facing the Meridien and Hilton hotels.

A random poll of former students settling payments yesterday revealed that accessibility, convenience and secure transactions topped their list of preferences for the new location.

Asraf Jaafar Sidik, 24, described the ministry's move as "brilliant".

"Access via public transport makes it very convenient for me to repay my loan. I don't need to worry about getting to the office or to find parking," said the part-time worker.

"I prefer to pay over the counter because it is more secure. If I have any questions, I can also ask the officer directly."

Agreeing, security guard Raja Mohd Hadi, 27, said counter-services provide more security than online payments.

"Sometimes, too I encounter technical problems with online payments," he said.

Zahidah Zakaria, 29, an officer in a legal firm, said the location is a strategic one because of the well-connected public transportation system

Another former student who only wanted to be known as Lim said the location is better than Damansara, "where I have to climb a hill".

"I'm here today to make some enquiries about different ways to settle my loan. I got the information I needed from the officers, who are very helpful," he added.