SIBU: Making do with existing school uniforms or limiting the number of new ones for their children is one of the ways parents are coping with price increases.

       Fitness instructor John Lam said he only bought one set for each of his three children, aged between four and 12.

       He said their old uniforms from last year were still looking “good and usable”.

       As for their textbooks, he said they need not buy any as his three boys are eligible for the Buku Bantuan scheme.

       Lam, 41, however lamented the steep increase in kindergarten fees for his four-year-old son.

       “Last year we were paying only RM70 a month but this time we have to pay RM110, which is a big difference,” he said.

       As for exercise books, he said there was no change in the price.

       “It is still RM50 for one set of exercise books.

       “My boys still have a number of them that we bought last year for online learning so we will not be buying new ones so soon,” he said.

       Goldsmith, Alex Tiong, 51, also said he is not buying new uniforms for his two children aged 13 and 14.

       “There is a few ringgit increase in the price of uniforms.

       “I am not buying new ones for them as they still have their old ones that are still in good condition,” he said.

       Bookshop operator Jenny Yeu said stationery prices have increased by 40%.

       “The spike in the price of stationery is because of limited stock as most factories in China were not operating last year due to the pandemic.

       “Then there is also the hike in freight charges and the costlier plastic material,” she said.