KUALA LUMPUR: Focus on securing a sound diploma or degree and set aside dreams of getting rich for now, students are advised.

While some multi-level marketing (MLM) schemes can generate a windfall in a short time, education complemented with relevant co-curricular experiences bring more good to students in the long run.

Malaysian Association of Private Colleges and Universities (Mapcu) deputy president Dr Mei Ling Young said there were "honesty and ethical" concerns about MLM activities.

She said it was worrying that students were joining MLMs to make "easy" money.

"The reason that they are in university is to get a diploma or a degree. Focus on that.

"While we believe that education is not just about (academics), this isn't the way to gain experience," she said yesterday.

Mei was responding to a New Sunday Times report on students who are attracted to the reward of big and seemingly easy money when they join MLMs.

It was reported some students invested in MLMs using their National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) money.

"Mapcu is naturally very concerned that students are being mislead. Students must be warned so they know there is a lot of trickery involved," she said.

Higher Education Ministry Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said PTPTN loans were strictly for studies.

Universiti Teknologi Mara's former vice-chancellor, Tan Sri Ibrahim Abu Shah, said a general clause in the Universities and University Colleges Act 1971 gave an institute the prerogative to act.

"As long as any programme is considered detrimental to students and the universities, then action can be taken."

Ibrahim, who dealt with several such cases as VC, said the first approach was always counselling. Expulsion was the last resort.