With about two weeks left before the start of the 2024 school term, bookstores nationwide are seeing parents, guardians and students flocking to their premises in preparation for the upcoming academic session.
A staff member of a bookstore said many parents and guardians shared their children’s book lists.
“We try our best to provide things listed, especially textbooks and workbooks,” he said.
Bookstores anticipate higher demand, with government officers and staff expected to receive bonuses by the end of the month.
The bookstore began preparations at the end of October to ensure sufficient supplies of required books. This is aimed at minimising book shortages and eliminating the need for customers to make repeated visits.
Dania binti Haji Mohiddin, a mother on the lookout for her children’s school supplies, shared her strategy of allocating a budget to purchase essentials during the mid-month payday.
By making early preparations, she got to ensure that the items, including school books, uniforms, and shoes, were secured, sparing her the last-minute rush.
Meanwhile, Norhamimah binti Jasni, a mother of four, finds it more convenient to start preparations in early November.
She believed that purchasing certain books early not only avoids the mad rush but also allows for the distribution of expenses across other school necessities more evenly.
Aris bin Ismail, another parent, disclosed his practice of making advance bookings for his children’s workbooks and textbooks once the end-of-year school term break begins.
He said some books are only be available through advance orders, making early bookings a convenient option.
Aris also emphasised the need to manage expenses carefully when one has multiple school-going children.
Items such as textbooks, bags and uniforms that are still in good conditions can be reused by other siblings, serving as a cost-saving measure, he advised. – Rokiah Mahmud
