A B40 parent has triggered a conversation online regarding how “optional” school Raya potlucks can strain household budgets when repeated across multiple children and classes.
FOR many families, school celebrations are intended to be simple and inclusive. However, when voluntary contributions are requested for various events, they can quietly transform into a financial burden—especially for those monitoring every ringgit.
“It is starting to feel as though Raya celebrations at school have become a must,” wrote user @zakuan_zaidi, questioning whether these events truly remain optional.
Identifying as a B40 worker, he explained the financial strain plainly: “While trying to save money, there suddenly seem to be so many Raya celebrations. One child has two school sessions, and each has its own celebration. What if you have three children in school? That is tough.”
The core concern is not the celebration itself, but how quickly costs accumulate. For a family with several children, multiple events mean repeated contributions, turning a small communal effort into a constant household expense.
Despite these concerns, many netizens argued that schools do not typically impose rigid requirements.
User @ukhtifarhana revealed that most schools do not assign specific dishes; instead, parents usually coordinate what they plan to bring to avoid overlap and even a small container of cake is acceptable.
@hafizhj_sani added that parents who cannot afford the requested items should simply message the teacher, stating that most are understanding. @walinongsari_anggerikhutan agreed, stressing that honesty is key as teachers rarely force contributions beyond a parent’s means.
Other users reminded parents that participation is not compulsory. @elhafizah.nas broke it down into three points: “It is not compulsory. The intention is charity. Buy the cheapest option, such as a small box of Apollo cake.”
Similarly, @hudxjiro reminded parents that children enjoy the social aspect regardless of the contribution size, provided they are dressed nicely for the occasion.
To keep costs low, @yanieemuharam suggested preparing simple jelly or affordable cakes. Meanwhile, @suli_nordin reported that some schools have cancelled celebrations entirely to follow government guidance on frugality—a move praised by @zakuan_zaidi, who commented: “Well done, headteacher.”
Some viewed these celebrations as a long-standing tradition that has simply become over-analysed.
@mynameisummi88 recalled that in the past, students simply shared whatever they had without parents overthinking the cost.
While schools generally present Raya potlucks as flexible and communal, the reality for families juggling several children on a tight budget is that “voluntary” can quickly feel like an obligation.
The celebrations continue, but a poignant question remains: if an event is meant to be optional, is it truly so when it stretches the limits of what a family can manage?