GEORGE TOWN: Students are feeling the pinch of rising living costs, with some claiming that they only have RM100 left to spend every month despite being prudent with their spending.
A-Level student Muhammad Asri Zulkifli, 18, said although he has a scholarship to fund his studies and accommodation, he is left with only RM100 to spend per month.
“With RM100, I cannot do much.
“An outing with my friends to a nearby town will cost me more than that,” he said.
The Ipoh-born student, however, said he still considers himself fortunate as his college hostel provides food and drinks for students living on campus.
“But with the increasing living costs, it is affecting students who are staying far away from their parents. Sometimes, my parents will provide me with some extra allowance when needed, but coming from a B40 family, what I get is not that much.
“I have to be extra careful and disciplined when I spend my money.
“Although I feel a bit restricted, I have no choice,” said Muhammad Asri, who aspires to be an environmental geologist.
He also said he hoped that the newly formed government can work out a mechanism to help alleviate the high cost of living, especially among students.
A local university student, Nurul Qistina Muhamad Azhan, 23, who is studying in Shah Alam, Selangor, said she receives RM200, and sometimes RM300, from her parents for her monthly expenses.
“Living in Shah Alam can be quite costly. RM300 is not enough if you live on your own.
“Sometimes, I have to ask for extra money from my parents to cover my cost of living here.
“I am considered lucky as my parents live in the same state, and I can go back to my parents’ house in Klang during the weekends,” she said.
Another student, Amran Omar, 19, said he has to work part-time to cover his expenses while studying at a university in Alor Setar, Kedah.
“My study loan covers only fees and accommodation.
“I come from a B40 family. Even though my parents want to support me, I refuse to burden them, so I work part-time to live independently,” he said.
Amran, whose hometown is in Johor, said working part-time during weekends and public holidays at a convenience store enables him to earn about RM800 a month, which is enough for him to spend on food and drinks.
“I hope that the relevant government agencies can look after the plight of students and try to control the high cost of living in the country.”
The rising cost of living is not only affecting students living away from their families but their parents as well.
Taxi driver Ahmad Iswadi Arshad, 44, said he gives his daughter RM500 on average per month.
“She studies at a university in Kedah.
“RM500 is for her daily expenses for food and drinks. This does not include the other expenses.
“Living in Kedah is still considered cheap, but with the increasing cost of living, every part of the country will not be spared from it.
“I hope that the economy can bounce back and the new government can look into the problem as it affects the people, especially those from the lower-income group,” he added.
