They are also calling for the RM150 Bantuan Awal Persekolahan programme cash aid to be handed out earlier, especially for first year students.
“For pocket money RM120, transportation RM450, home tuition and Quran recital classes RM500,” he spelt out.Housewife Nurhafiza Mohd Ali said she had only completed half of the preparations needed for her eldest son. For the new Budget 2023, which will be retabled next month, Nor Atikah hopes the government will prioritise first year students in its planning.A 50% discount coupon, which can be used at the school canteen would also help, she added.
She added that the family had started to feel the impact of rising prices after the reopening of the economy, especially on food items. “In 2020, we spent about RM300 on our eldest son’s school supplies but this year, for my second son, we are looking at spending RM400 to RM500,” said the 35-year-old.