Datin Noor Azimah says parents welcome RM100 education aid.

Parents earning below RM3k welcome govt’s school assistance programme

PETALING JAYA: Parents with children from households earning RM3,000 and below are pleased to know that they will receive special assistance from the government to reduce “back to school” expenditure.

The Finance Ministry announced that it will provide school assistance of RM100 to each Year One to Form Five student from households earning RM3,000 and below.

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said RM328mil would be channelled to the Education Ministry, which would start distributing the funds from next month onwards.

“The primary purpose of this aid is to alleviate the burden of school expenses at the beginning of the year that parents or guardians have to bear,” said Lim in a statement yesterday.

He said the government was committed to providing quality education opportunities, which include school supplies and facilities, to all students regardless of their background.

Parent-of-two Nicky Yap said the move was a good initiative that could help lift a little burden off parents’ shoulders.

“School supplies aren’t cheap. The RM100 can be used to buy stationery, books, shoes or a set of uniform,” he said, noting that preparing children for school could easily burn a hole in one’s wallet, especially those with many children.

Delighted with Lim’s announcement, Nur Farah Azmin said the additional RM100 would help “settle” her children’s stationery and exercise books for the year.

“I buy in bulk and keep them at home.

“Now, I only have to get new shoes and a few other items for them,” said the mother of three.

She is glad the government is aware that the cost of sending children to school can be quite high and hopes this initiative will continue.

Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said parents welcome any form of additional funds, especially at the start of each school year, which is when the cost of preparing children for school is the highest.

She called on parents to be wise with the RM100 given to them.

“Times are bad, learn how to stretch your money. Just because the RM100 is given to you doesn’t mean you have to spend it all immediately.

“You do not need to replace school bags or uniforms every year if they are still usable or in good condition. Only replace items such as stationery that need to be replaced,” she said.