Many feel pinch from prudent back-to-school spending

WHILE the new school uniform policy is seen as a boon to parents, the same cannot be said for retailers and wholesalers in Penang.

School uniform seller Chen Chyn Fenn, 53, said business had dropped by 50% since Education Ministry announced the new ruling.

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.

Instead, it would be two days of school uniforms, two days of sportswear and one day of co-curriculum attire.

“Parents are buying less since students only need to wear school uniforms for two days instead of five,” Chen said.

“And coupled with the high cost of living, many parents are spending prudently.

“The lack of standardisation among schools for items such as neckties and socks has further led to a decline in our business.

“This is because students can only buy those items from their respective schools.”

Chen said each set of uniform along with a schoolbag might cost between RM100 and RM200 these days, depending on quality.

Some schoolbags cost over RM200 each, he noted.

“Due to high costs, many parents end up seeking aid and buying school supplies using coupons.

“But these coupons are not valid at our shops,” he said.

Mydin Malaysia executive director (northern) Azmin Saduruddin said Mydin stores had been enjoying good business so far.

He said that to address the rising cost of living, Mydin offered various promotions to cater to the needs of different income groups.

“We offer a complete package of school uniforms, schoolbag and stationery priced within RM200.

“This package includes two sets of uniforms,” he added.

Meanwhile, engineer Luah Chong Tat, 43, has so far spent over RM500 for his son Zhi Herng’s uniforms and new bag.

“We bought four new sets of uniforms and a school bag for him to start fresh in Form One.

“His old uniforms will be handed down to relatives, or we may donate them to charity,” said Chong Tat.

Sales executive Lee Eng Sheng, 43, bought one school uniform set for his son Jun Xiang, 13, who will be entering Form One.

“My son was offered a spot in SMK Westlands but we are appealing for him to be enrolled in SMJK Heng Ee, which is nearer to our home.

“The application hasn’t been approved, meaning Jun Xiang would have to start schooling at SMK Westlands first, pending a decision from the Education Department.

“We have also not bought new textbooks that cost over RM100 until it is confirmed,” he said.

The 2024/2025 school session nationwide starts tomorrow and Monday, depending on whether states have Friday and Saturday or Saturday and Sunday as weekends.