Parents across Malaysia have long voiced concerns over the rising cost of schooling, which goes beyond mandatory fees to include additional charges such as Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) contributions.
These funds are typically used to support co-curricular activities, student welfare, and improvements to school facilities.
‘You don’t have to pay!’
Recently, a woman sparked discussion on Threads after sharing her opinion that PIBG fees should not be treated as a compulsory burden for parents.
Just to clarify, PIBG is a contribution. You don’t have to pay if you can’t afford it. Don’t turn it into a burden for your family. I haven’t paid it for years,” she wrote.
She added that schools are not allowed to force parents to make the payment, as it is voluntary in nature. According to her, parents can lodge a report if any school attempts to pressure them into paying.
The woman also argued that the responsibility of sourcing funds for school needs or student activities should fall on school management and teachers, rather than parents.
“Teachers should be the ones working to find funds for the school. Not parents,” she added.
Netizens’ reaction
Many parents and educators criticised her view, saying it oversimplified the role of PIBG and overlooked how the contributions directly benefit students.
Several pointed out that insufficient funding could disrupt school programmes and affect students’ learning experiences.
‘Parents who don’t want to pay PIBG but complain loudly deserve criticism. They want the best education for their children but are stingy. What’s the point?’
‘This kind of parents should attend PIBG meetings. There are even committee positions available. Only then will they understand the importance of PIBG. Just knowing how to complain without trying to understand isn’t helpful. That’s what I did when my child first entered school. Only then did I stop spreading foolish statements.’
