Brunei residents find supplies cheaper in neighbouring M'sia

As budget allocation is crucial for parents at this time of the month, some are willing to drive to Miri or Limbang in Malaysia to look for better deals.

According to them, school supplies in the neighbouring country are cheaper compared to the ones on sale in the sultanate, and that the recent surge in the Malaysian ringgit exchange rate has also made the shopping trip attractive. 

“Not everyone can get what they are looking for in Brunei. We can get textbooks from local shops, but bags and stationery are much cheaper outside,” Rosnah Omar, a mother of two, said.

‘‘As the exchange rate for the Malaysian currency is higher lately and Miri is organising sales right now, my family and I might as well head there to get school supplies for the children,” she said. ‘‘We just want to save our budget and plan our children’s school expenses wisely. Our children are in grades 1 and 2, and from what I know, children sometimes lose their stationery, so we decided to buy in bulk, and it’s much cheaper to do that in Miri.”

Azami Latiff, a father of three, said he was also able to find cheaper school supplies from the neighbouring country.

“They’re actually quite expensive in Brunei compared to in Malaysia. That’s why most parents that I know go to Miri or Limbang,” Azami said.

‘‘I wouldn’t mind buying them in Brunei if the stuff is of good quality and the price is right, but even some items that are not branded are pricey,” he added.

Other parents, such as Sabariah Asfar, find shopping for school supplies overseas time consuming.

‘‘There is no doubt that items in Brunei are slightly expensive than those in Limbang or Miri, but then again, are they of similar quality? And then we have to get through immigration and a long trip, isn’t that going to cost you more?” said the resident of Kampung Sungai Bunga.

Another parent, Kartini Idris, said she and her husband would only prioritise their budget on the necessities and ensure their children will use them wisely.

“It doesn’t matter what brand we are buying for our children as long as it is important for their education. My husband and I will get our children new stationery and uniforms only when necessary,” Kartini said.

“We don’t like to pamper our children with things that they want. We want them to have what they need.”

The new school term commences tomorrow.