Parents across Malaysia are urging the government to enhance financial support for education-related expenses in the upcoming Budget 2027, citing rising costs that are placing a growing strain on household budgets. With school uniforms, transportation, tuition fees, and university expenses all contributing to the financial burden, families with multiple children pursuing education are seeking greater tax relief and assistance.

In Ipoh, civil servant Shahril Shafie, 48, who has four children, including two attending university and one still in secondary school, emphasized the need for increased relief for families with more than one child in tertiary education. He noted that the current RM8,000 tax relief for university students may fall short for households with multiple children enrolled simultaneously. He also called for more support to offset expenses related to school uniforms and supplies, pointing out that families often need to purchase multiple sets of uniforms and sportswear.

Similarly, Suhaila Sumarwadi, 50, a clerk with two school-age children, highlighted the rising costs of school transportation and additional tuition classes, recommending a specific tax relief of approximately RM300 for transportation expenses. She mentioned that extra classes can cost between RM300 and RM500 per child, further exacerbating the financial challenges faced by parents.

Athletic coach V. Krishnan, 64, described the existing RM150 school aid given at the start of the academic year as insufficient, particularly in light of increases in school-related costs and food prices. He stressed that such aid does not adequately cover the accumulating expenses for school materials over time.

Chartered accountant and tax consultant K. Thenmoli acknowledged these concerns, noting that education-related expenses have become a significant financial burden, especially for families with more than one child in school or university. She suggested that the current tax relief of RM2,000 per child for education expenses and the RM8,000 relief for tertiary education should be reexamined in Budget 2027 to better support families. Thenmoli also proposed that the national student loan repayment system, managed by the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), be made more flexible by considering graduates’ income and employment status. Additionally, she supported increasing the RM150 school aid to more adequately reflect rising costs of uniforms, stationery, footwear, and other essentials.

Budget 2027 is scheduled to be tabled in Parliament on October 9, and families and experts alike are awaiting measures that may ease the financial pressures associated with education while balancing the country’s fiscal sustainability.