Above: Families looking at backpacks as part of their shopping list for the new school term. Below: Ku Mustapa (in batik shirt) helping a youngster try on a school uniform under MBPJ’s back-to-school aid programme in Subang Jaya. — Photos: CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
MBPJ treats B40 children to shopping trip
A HUNDRED underprivileged students from B40 families were treated to back-to-school shopping under a programme by Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ).
The students received RM300 “Jom! Back to School 2026” vouchers each for the trip to a hypermarket in Subang Jaya, Selangor.
MBPJ Community Develop-ment Department deputy director Ku Mustafa Ku Mohamad said the aid was aimed at easing the financial burden of parents preparing their children for school ahead of the new term.
It showed the city council’s recognition of rising living costs, he said.
“This initiative is to ensure that no student in Petaling Jaya is left behind due to financial constraints.”
Many of the beneficiaries were from People’s Housing Programme (PPR) areas in Kota Damansara, Lembah Subang and Desa Mentari, identified via the e-Kasih database.
MBPJ prioritised education to nurture knowledgeable, competitive and resilient future generations, Ku Mustafa said.
“Having sufficient school supplies not only boosts a student’s self-confidence, but also gives parents peace of mind.”
He also thanked Mydin Hypermarket for supporting the programme.
Meanwhile, he said MBPJ also provided free shuttle services that could be utilised by school students.
“For routes PJ01 and PJ02, two buses at 6.30am and 1pm are provided to transport students to and from school.
“Four other routes – PJ03, PJ04, PJ05 and PJ06 – also benefit students living around Petaling Jaya and help reduce their transportation costs,” said Ku Mustafa.
The “Jom! Back to School 2026” shopping aid initiative correlated with Malaysia Madani’s fundamental pillars of well-being, compassion and welfare, and supported MBPJ’s Child-Friendly City Agenda in partnership with Unicef, he added.
