Sanchez receiving a back-to-school voucher from Suhaizan (third from left) during the event at Dewan Raya Taman Bukit Indah in Johor Baru.
Several parents have expressed relief after receiving essential school supplies for their children.
The aid, distributed by Pulai MP Suhaizan Kayat during a “Back to School” programme organised by the Pulai parliamentary service centre, included uniforms, shoes and bags.
Housewife Norizan Mad Hussin, 40, said the assistance was timely in view of the rising cost of education.
The mother of four children, including a 13-year-old daughter with special needs, estimated the supplies would have cost her family about RM150.
“School expenses increase every year, so we appreciate this gesture. It has helped ease my family’s financial burden,” she said, adding this was the second year that they were receiving such aid.
She said a single school uniform can exceed RM50, often without covering a full set.
Fellow mother Nor Abidah Abas, 40, echoed these sentiments, stating that “every sen counts” when managing expenses for four school-going children.
She felt fortunate that her third child, Anis Sumayyah Normat, 11, was selected to receive the assistance as the programme only provided support for one child per family.
(From left) Norizan, her daughter and sister-in-law with the free school supplies received.
“I have children in both primary and secondary school,” she said, adding that the younger ones use hand-me-downs from their older siblings.
Rachell Viebera Lawrence, whose 10-year-old son Sanchez Alvian Thian received the aid, said she would usually spend about RM500 on school expenses.
“I have four children, with three of them still schooling, so this programme has helped to reduce expenses significantly.
“This is my family’s first time receiving the assistance and I hope it will be continued to help more people,” said the 34-year-old housewife.
Suhaizan, who gave out the aid during the event held at Dewan Raya Taman Bukit Indah, Johor Baru, said about 700 primary and secondary school students benefitted from the programme which cost RM126,000.
“Each student received a set of school necessities worth RM180.
“The B40 recipients were identified through mosques, surau and schools, including SJKC and SJKT,” he said, adding that the programme was in partnership with the Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council’s (MAIWP) Yayasan Taqwa.
He welcomed cooperation from those interested in contributing to the programme.
“Depending on support and sponsorship, I will ensure this programme continues every year,” he added.
