While many students look forward to continuing their education after completing SPM, an 18-year-old girl says her dream of furthering her studies has been cut short.
It wasn’t because of poor results, but due to her parents saying they couldn’t afford it and needed her to start working.
Not allowed to save for the future
In a heartfelt social media post, the girl revealed that her parents refused to let her pursue higher education despite her intention to apply for government aid.
Instead, she was told to find a job and contribute to the family’s living expenses.
My parents want me to take up a job with a basic salary of RM1,700, which includes overtime to make it RM1,800, just to help pay the bills,” she wrote.
She added that although the pay was modest, she planned to save RM600 monthly in hopes of returning to her studies next year. But even this small plan was shut down.
“My mum said I can only save RM200 a month. The rest must go to household needs. By August, I even have to pay RM500 for my dad’s road tax. I wanted to take my driving test, but they wouldn’t allow that either.”
Couldn’t change jobs
To make matters worse, she said she isn’t allowed to change jobs, because her parents are worried she might end up earning less elsewhere — even if the job offers better prospects or flexibility.
Despite all this, she said she understands the financial burden her parents are facing.
Still, she can’t help but feel the loss of a normal youth, saying she wishes she could just live a simple life like other teens her age.
Netizens express outrage and concern
Her post quickly gained attention, with many expressing sympathy and frustration.
‘So how guys? You know the answer yourself, kid. You really, really, really wanted to continue studying, obviously. Fight for it. Sorry to say, but you’re not a maid. You’re not born to be your family’s maid. Fight for your life. Continue your studies.’
“Run, sis. Find a job that comes with accommodation. Save your own money. Be selfish. I used to help my family like crazy too — but now that my younger siblings are married, they still come to me asking to borrow money, and they’ve dumped 100% of the responsibility of caring for our mother on me. So I ran.”
“Sorry to say, but your parents are taking advantage of you. Why don’t they pay for things themselves? Do they even work? Just go, sis — continue your studies and leave that house.”
