WHILE the new school uniform policy is seen as a boon to parents, the same cannot be said for retailers and wholesalers in Penang.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek had said that students would no longer be required to wear school uniforms throughout the week of the 2024/2025 academic year. “Parents are buying less since students only need to wear school uniforms for two days instead of five,” Chen said.“The lack of standardisation among schools for items such as neckties and socks has further led to a decline in our business.Chen said each set of uniform along with a schoolbag might cost between RM100 and RM200 these days, depending on quality.“Due to high costs, many parents end up seeking aid and buying school supplies using coupons.
Meanwhile, engineer Luah Chong Tat, 43, has so far spent over RM500 for his son Zhi Herng’s uniforms and new bag.“His old uniforms will be handed down to relatives, or we may donate them to charity,” said Chong Tat.