GEORGE TOWN, Oct 27 (Bernama) -- A total of 50 babies born this month at Penang Hospital (HPP) here received contributions totalling RM10,000 under the Junior Superhero Simpan SSPN 2026 programme to encourage parents to start saving for their children’s education from birth.
Organised by the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), the programme is part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative in conjunction with World Savings Day to promote financial literacy.
PTPTN chairman Datuk Seri Norliza Abdul Rahim said each baby received RM100 deposited into a new or existing Simpan SSPN Prime account, along with a baby hamper worth RM100.
She said the programme, introduced in 2023, had been held at several hospitals, including HPP, to encourage early financial planning.
“This initiative continues to promote saving for higher education from birth, in line with the Simpan SSPN Savings Month (BMS) campaign,” she said in her speech at the programme at HPP here today.
Also present were PTPTN chief executive Ahmad Dasuki Abdul Majid, HPP director Dr Goh Hin Kwang, PTPTN senior general manager Wan Zawiah Wan Abu Bakar and Penang PTPTN director Muhammad Muhsin Abdul Rahman.
Norliza said PTPTN also worked with the state government through the Anak Emas programme to provide incentives for newborns in Penang.
Since its launch on Jan 15, 2024, each eligible child has received RM200, with RM100 credited to a Simpan SSPN Prime account and the remaining RM100 to a bank account.
As of Sept 30, 2026, a total of 12,923 accounts had been opened under the programme, with deposits amounting to RM1.29 million, she said.
Norliza said Simpan SSPN offered several benefits, including income tax relief on savings of up to RM8,000 a year, free takaful protection for depositors and matching grants of up to RM10,000 for eligible families.
The scheme also offered competitive dividends, with savings guaranteed by the government and managed in accordance with Syariah principles.
Since its introduction in 2004, a total of 7.74 million Simpan SSPN accounts had been opened, with deposits amounting to RM26.07 billion as of Sept 30, 2026.
“This year, we announced a dividend rate of 4.1 per cent, one of the highest in 11 years. Simpan SSPN is one way parents can demonstrate their love and commitment to their children’s future,” she said.
-- BERNAMA