Families feel the pain of back-to-school expenses

Nabihah Hamid Nabihah Hamid Updated 7 years ago · Published on 24 Dec 2018 7:00AM · 8 Comments

Muhammad Yusof Hashim and Juliana Jasman have three children. The family, who live in Sg Buloh, have already spent RM1,000 on the new school year. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, December 24, 2018.

ANNUAL year-end holidays used to be a family ritual for Zairimah Abdul Jamil but the budget for a get-away this year has been used on buying school supplies for her two children, as rising cost of goods continues to take a toll on middle-income households in the city.

Zairimah, who works as an executive at a private company, said the RM1,000 budgeted for a local holiday or to return to their hometown was almost entirely used up to buy supplies and uniforms for next month’s new school term.

“In the past, we will go for a holiday every year-end but not this time. Even going back to our hometown has become a rarity. Everything needs to be cut back because we need to pay for school supplies which go up each year,” she told The Malaysian Insight.

“This year, we feel that the cost of living has really gone up. Even household goods are expensive, even though we cook at home a lot. 

“We rarely ever eat out now unless it’s to celebrate a birthday,” said Zairimah, whose children will be entering standard four and form one.

Zairimah isn’t the only one feeling the pinch as the new school year opens in a little more than a week.

Two other families with a household income of less than RM8,000 told The Malaysian Insight that they, too, have had to cut back on travel and dining out.

White school shoes will be phased out soon and are going cheap at a factory sale. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Afif Abd Halim, December 24, 2018.

Juliana Jasman, 34, and her husband said they have already spent almost RM1,000 on school fees and supplies for their three young children.

“Fees and books for religious school already cost RM450. The price of many other school supplies has gone up, such as shoes… last year, two pairs cost RM70, this year it’s RM80.

“Last year, I bought a cheap uniform costing RM30 a pair, but it tore easily. So this year, I found a better quality one, costing RM60 a pair,” said the housewife.

Marketing officer Fredrick Das Devadas, 46, has to set aside 5% of his pay from the start of the year to be able to save up enough for his children’s school supplies.

“I take out 5% of my salary every month to ensure I have enough money for the kids’ school expenses,” said the father of two primary schoolchildren.

However, even with the savings, he said the rising cost of living has put a strain on the family’s budget.

Last week, Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said pupils from standard one to form five, who come from families with a household income of less than RM3,000, will receive RM100 per child for schooling expenses.

Fredrick said the allowance, while appreciated, would do little to ease the financial burden of parents if the cost of living continues to rise.

“Every year, the price of school supplies keeps going up. For example, my children’s shoes last year were RM30, this time it’s RM40. School uniforms have also gone up by RM10 per set,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

“Our weak currency is causing the cost of living to rise. The new government needs to give more subsidies for each pupil.” – December 24, 2018.

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Comments

  • And our education minister buat apa? Clueless minister

    Posted 7 years ago by Khairul Anuar · Reply

  • Assistance in the form of bursaries and scholarships can be provided, but certainly not wise to provide no-string handouts.

    Posted 7 years ago by Tanahair Ku · Reply

  • Whine whine ...common adjust. Life doesn't owe you a living.

    Posted 7 years ago by Alphonz Jayaraman · Reply

  • I am puzzled!!! If we go out to shopping mall we see lots of families especially the Malay race enjoying a good shopping and a hearty meals. Obesity are clearly seen in them from parents to children. Yet when it comes to the much needed family expenses for the importance there will be lots of whining and crying out for AIDS and subsidies. Something wrong somewhere?????

    Posted 7 years ago by Lee Lee · Reply

    • Well said we see it they spend a lot it a live style they want to show off.

      Posted 7 years ago by Danial Abdullah · Reply

  • If u want a better more wonderful life go get a part time job why do you need to Complain u plan for your success the future of your family this are all Challenges in life dont be afraid dont be lazy always give yourself an opportunity to Succeed we all have done it what so special about U!

    Posted 7 years ago by Danial Abdullah · Reply

  • Many prefer to sit at home and watch TV instead of going out to get a second job in the evening. I know of a man who held two jobs for over 20 years to bring up his children and now his children are lawyers and teachers.

    Posted 7 years ago by Lily Cheong · Reply

  • U people are Always Forever goin to be in the COMPLAINING SITUATION bcoz u malays want everything to come to ur doorstep. Shame on u people learn from the non malay. We struggle in LIFE TO SURVIVE. CURSE OF TRUE NEEDY WILL NEVER LET YOUR COMMUNITY HAIL. Tis is LAW OF NATURE.

    Posted 7 years ago by Tharan Singh · Reply