Sibu parents brace for higher school costs, urge govt aid before term starts

SIBU (Jan 10): Parents here are preparing for the new school term with a common hope that government assistance could be channelled earlier, before the session begins, to help ease their burden.

Nazam Baliko, 48, a private sector worker, finds the assistance helpful but believes its impact would be greater if received ahead of the school reopening.

“For children entering school for the first time, many items need to be purchased early. Earlier assistance would significantly lighten the financial load on parents,” he said.

Nazam, who has four school-going children, noted that basic schooling costs have increased this year, excluding additional expenses for co-curricular attire and shoes.

His wife, Noor Arlicessa Arbi Chew, 42, a teacher, highlighted the sharper rise in costs for secondary school.

“Registration fees alone exceed RM600, not including uniforms. For one child entering secondary school, the initial cost can exceed RM1,000,” she said.

She estimates that total family expenses for their four children — one in kindergarten, two in primary school, and one in secondary school — can reach up to RM2,000.

Noor Arlicessa also pointed out significant price hikes for specific items.

“For example, socks used to cost around RM8 to RM9 per pair, but now they are nearly RM14. For three pairs, the cost is really noticeable,” she said.

Another parent, Siti Norhayati Ahmad, 39, an administrative assistant, emphasised the need for prudent spending to meet the needs of her two primary-school children.

“Even with rising prices, we prioritise basics like books, uniforms, and shoes. Other items are bought gradually, which helps manage the expense burden,” she said.

She also expressed hope that government support would continue and be disbursed sooner in the future to assist middle-income families.