Parents appeal for increase in student cash aid
Ahmad Fadli KCPublished: Jan 16, 2013 11:10 AM | Updated: Jan 16, 2013 11:31 AM
Several parents who yesterday received the one-off RM100 aid for students are appealing to the government to increase the amount of the cash handout so as to better relieve their burden next year.
Several parents feel a higher amount would better serve to reduce the costs they face in sending their children to school.
Several parents who yesterday received the one-off RM100 aid for students are appealing to the government to increase the amount of the cash handout so as to better relieve their burden next year.
Asmah Mat (left), a home maker who received this year’s handout at SMK Segambut yesterday, said the extra money is much needed as her husband only earns RM1,000 a month.
She said the family must also bear the cost of sending her special-needs child from Rawang to school in Segambut by bus daily.
“If they (the government) increase it just little next year, that will be great. Just add RM100 or RM200 more,” said 60-year-old Asmah as she was waiting to take her child, who suffers from Down Syndrome and hyperactive disorder, home from school.
Her sentiment was shared by another mother, Rosamma Krishnan, 39, who felt the aid will help her bear the burden of her children’s schooling.
“My husband drives a taxi and his income is not even enough to buy books, shoes, and that does not even include school bags,” said the mother-of-three who suggested the amount be raised by RM150.
Rosamma (right) did not dismiss the possibility that the handout would prompt certain parents to lean towards the ruling government in the next general election.
“(If) got (aid), votelah,” she said.
‘Aid given sincerely’
Meanwhile, Jasril Suharto, 55, felt that the cash handout for students was a sincere gesture on the part of the government.
“I don’t think this has anything to go with the general election. It is just the government (effort) to help those from the lower (income) group.
“It is sincere help from the government,” said Jasril, who, too, said he would welcome an increase in the aid if the government continues with it.
Another father, Mazalan Salim, said the ideal amount is around RM300 per student.
“I spend more than RM3,000 for six schooling children,” said Mazalan, 62.
Pang Chi Ching (), 41, opined that parents would be able to donate more to the school if given more aid.
“If the school requests for any donation from parents, such as to increase the quality of sporting equipments, we can contribute.”
However, Pang said he would leave it to the government to decide if the amount should be raised.
Meanwhile, Segambut BN chief Jayanti Devi Balaguru, who distributed the handouts yesterday, said the monetary contribution showed that the BN government is sensitive to the problems faced by parents.
“Even if we are not a welfare government, we are a caring government. So, it is not a question of (garnering) popularity, it is aimed at relieving parents’ burden,” she told Malaysiakini.
The cash aid is being distributed to secondary school students from Form 1 to Form 5 beginning yesterday.
Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, when delivering the Budget 2013, announced the distribution of the cash aid to all secondary and primary school children - the second time in a row - regardless of their family’s income.
Asmah Mat (left), a home maker who received this year’s handout at SMK Segambut yesterday, said the extra money is much needed as her husband only earns RM1,000 a month.She said the family must also bear the cost of sending her special-needs child from Rawang to school in Segambut by bus daily.
“If they (the government) increase it just little next year, that will be great. Just add RM100 or RM200 more,” said 60-year-old Asmah as she was waiting to take her child, who suffers from Down Syndrome and hyperactive disorder, home from school.
Her sentiment was shared by another mother, Rosamma Krishnan, 39, who felt the aid will help her bear the burden of her children’s schooling.
“My husband drives a taxi and his income is not even enough to buy books, shoes, and that does not even include school bags,” said the mother-of-three who suggested the amount be raised by RM150.Rosamma (right) did not dismiss the possibility that the handout would prompt certain parents to lean towards the ruling government in the next general election.
“(If) got (aid), votelah,” she said.
‘Aid given sincerely’
Meanwhile, Jasril Suharto, 55, felt that the cash handout for students was a sincere gesture on the part of the government.
“I don’t think this has anything to go with the general election. It is just the government (effort) to help those from the lower (income) group.
“It is sincere help from the government,” said Jasril, who, too, said he would welcome an increase in the aid if the government continues with it.
Another father, Mazalan Salim, said the ideal amount is around RM300 per student.“I spend more than RM3,000 for six schooling children,” said Mazalan, 62.
Pang Chi Ching (), 41, opined that parents would be able to donate more to the school if given more aid.
“If the school requests for any donation from parents, such as to increase the quality of sporting equipments, we can contribute.”
However, Pang said he would leave it to the government to decide if the amount should be raised.
Meanwhile, Segambut BN chief Jayanti Devi Balaguru, who distributed the handouts yesterday, said the monetary contribution showed that the BN government is sensitive to the problems faced by parents.
“Even if we are not a welfare government, we are a caring government. So, it is not a question of (garnering) popularity, it is aimed at relieving parents’ burden,” she told Malaysiakini.The cash aid is being distributed to secondary school students from Form 1 to Form 5 beginning yesterday.
Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, when delivering the Budget 2013, announced the distribution of the cash aid to all secondary and primary school children - the second time in a row - regardless of their family’s income.
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