IPOH: Parents of children studying at varying levels are hoping for Budget 2027 to offer some relief for education-related expenses.
With the cost of school uniforms, transportation, extra tuition classes and university fees added together, many are finding it hard to cope with the growing costs.
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Civil servant Shahril Shafie, 48, who has four children, said education-related expenses should be more affordable, particularly for families with more than one child pursuing higher education.
Shahril said two of his children, aged 23 and 20, are studying at university, while another 16-year-old is still schooling.
Shahril called for a higher tax relief for parents with multiple children in tertiary education, saying RM8,000 might not be sufficient for families with several children studying concurrently.
“Sometimes a family has three or four children at university, so the current tax relief may not be enough,” he said.
For school-going children, Shahril suggested more tax relief to cover expenses such as uniforms and school supplies.
He said parents often had to buy several sets of uniforms and sports attire for their children.
Clerk Suhaila Sumarwadi, 50, who has two school-going children aged 16 and 13, suggested a specific tax relief of about RM300 for school transportation expenses, citing the rising cost of living.
She also hoped for tax relief for additional classes, which she said could cost between RM300 and RM500 per child.
“With the cost of education and other expenses increasing, any additional assistance would help parents manage the cost of raising and educating their children,” she said.
Athletic coach V. Krishnan, 64, said that the RM150 early schooling aid given at the beginning of the school year was insufficient amid rising costs, including food prices at schools.
“I don’t think it is enough as costs for the materials add up overtime,” he said.
Budget 2027 is scheduled to be tabled in Parliament on Oct 9.
Chartered accountant and tax consultant K. Thenmoli said the suggestions raised by parents fairly reflect the financial challenges faced by families today due to the rising cost of living.
She said that expenses like school-related fees, transportation costs and university fees can place a significant financial burden on families, especially those with more than one child pursuing education.
“Education-related costs should be made more affordable and accessible for families.
“The existing tax relief of RM2,000 per child for education-related expenses could be increased, while the RM8,000 relief for tertiary education could also be reviewed for Budget 2027 to provide greater financial support to families with children pursuing education,” she said.
“PTPTN loan repayment arrangements can be made more flexible and take into consideration graduates’ income levels and employment situations.
“The RM150 school assistance should also be increased to better reflect the rising costs of school uniforms, stationery, shoes and other school preparation expenses,” she said.
“Overall, Budget 2027 should be carefully designed to provide meaningful support to families in need while maintaining the country’s long-term financial sustainability,” she added.
