INFLATION is a pressing issue in Malaysia, and it is impacting families from all economic backgrounds. The cost of raising a child in the country has been a topic of discussion, with many parents concerned about the rising expenses for medical care, childcare services, clothing, food, formula, and toys.
According to AIA Malaysia, the cost of raising a child from pregnancy through university education can range from RM400,000 to RM1.1 mil, with the largest portion of that cost going towards tertiary education. Childcare is the second-largest expense.
One Twitter user has gained significant attention by sharing that it can cost up to RM4,000 per month to raise a single child, not including the cost of books and toys. However, this figure may vary depending on individual circumstances.
The high cost of raising a child can put a significant financial strain on families, particularly those in lower-income brackets. Policymakers must address the issue of inflation and consider measures that can alleviate the financial burden on families raising children.
YES! Monthly:
Formula milk – RM 500
Diapers & wet wipes – RM250
Detergent – RM30
Nursery/maid – RM1500
Vaccine package – RM2000
Clothes/books/toys – RM???Enjoy your single lives before deciding to commit to having children.
Share your baby’s costs in the comments👇 pic.twitter.com/mnkmUjaGaM
— Helmi Hasan (@HelmiHasan_com) April 13, 2023
Another Twitter user @sheasnob stated:
T20 budget tu
For M40 realistic ver (Housewife ver)
Formula milk – RM160 (Enfalac A+ Step 1)
Diapers &wet wipes – RM150
Detergent for babies – RM15
Nursery – RM0 (cuz im a housewife)
Vaccine – RM0 (Gov) RM160-RM200 not monthly (private)
Clothes/Book/Toys – RM50-RM200= RM425
— Design Generalist Extraordinaire (@sheasnob) April 13, 2023
She is stating that the figures shared by the original poster seem to be out of reach for most Malaysians, hence she labelled it as a “T20” budget. Her “M40” budget shows that it would only cost her RM425 a month to raise a child, but the benefit she has is the fact that she is a housewife. The cost of childcare can significantly increase the cost of taking care of one child.
Some users are stating that several families can afford to do so on a tighter budget.
I wonder how less fortunate people manage to raise multiple kids. Just spends on necessary things. They grow up just fine. Maid? If u can afford a maid then ur income is basically high so i dont think there’s issue.
— tapet 🇵🇸 (@arepmustakpire) April 13, 2023
Some are spending almost RM4,000 monthly for their children. Unfortunately, it does not include the daily pocket money for the three kids he has that are going to school.
User @vonAugenMRR added:
Saya punya around RM3800-RM4500 monthly for 5 kids, age from 12yrs old to 3 months old..not inclusive daily duit poket for 3 kids yg pegi sekolah..
— VonAugenMRR🇵🇸 (@vonAugenMRR) April 13, 2023
Meanwhile, user @azli_sam noted:
It depends on how u spend money. Breast mild is free, u can use normal detergent but less quantity..cuci tangan..kalau isteri duduk rumah and menyusukan anak, tak payah bayar nursery/maid. Clothes/books/toys tu of course kena beli tapi kalau dah ada from ank 1st the recycle.
— Tuna Onigiri (@azli_sam) April 13, 2023
In lieu of that, the user stated that it depends on how much money you choose to spend on the child. Breast milk is free and if your wife is a housewife, there is less need to have a nursery or maid. Another cost-saving method the user suggests is that parents can recycle the items they have from their older children to their younger ones. — April 16, 2023
Main photo credit: iStockphoto
