A good fit: A parent sizing up a shirt for her son at the Madani fair at KLCC. Most school supplies like uniforms and school shoes were on sale for 35% less than the market price. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Although it is his first child who is starting primary school next year, Mohd Shauki Abdullah is the one who is more excited about this family milestone.
For weeks, the 29-year-old has been worried about outfitting his seven-year-old, given the high price of school uniforms, books and stationery these days.
“My survey of prices for quality school uniforms found that they are usually over RM80 for a pair,” said the Puchong resident when met the Madani government’s second-year anniversary celebration here.
So Mohd Shauki was overjoyed when he found out that school uniforms were being sold at the Madani fair for about 35% less than usual.
“I managed to find a good pair of school uniforms for less than RM50,” he told Bernama at the Madani fair taking place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).
“Besides uniforms, I also bought school shoes for around RM31. I’m definitely more thrilled than my child since I’ve managed to find these deals,” he said.
The fair, which was in its third and final day yesterday, not only attracted visitors shopping for basic necessities at lower prices but also parents who are preparing their children for school next year.
Booths selling school supplies at the Madani Entrepreneur Sales Area under the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry were a constant crowd favourite throughout the fair.
Maisarah Arsyad said the discounted prices for school uniforms and shoes helped her save quite a bit while shopping for her four children.
This is especially since the upcoming school term coincides closely with Ramadan and Hari Raya, when Muslim families needed to budget for increased expenses.
“I always ensure my children wear new school uniforms every year. With four kids, the costs add up. Here, I managed to buy a school uniform set for RM50 instead of the usual RM80. I saved over RM100 when shopping for my four children,” said the 34-year-old from Kajang, Selangor.
“For parents like me, we eagerly await promotions like this,” Maisarah said.
“I hope the government organises more programmes that directly benefit the people.”
Muhammad Azhari Zid, who operates one of the booths selling the school uniforms, said the response from parents has been overwhelming.
“The response has been very encouraging especially because our prices are lower than usual,” said Muhammad Azhar, who is My-Sutera Sdn Bhd chief sales and marketing officer.
“Also the programme takes place at the end of the year when parents typically prepare for the new school term.
“We’re not just selling uniforms, skirts, and pants for primary and secondary students, but also school shoes, socks and stationery at discounted prices. We’re giving 35% off on uniforms, while other items have varying discounts,” he said.
