Earlier this week on the 12th of February, Singaporean news portal, The New Paper, reportedly published an article that featured a family of five who were hoping for some benefits from the country’s upcoming Budget 2018.
However, their thoughts drew a lot of flak from netizens, who criticised the family for saying that they were “suffering” despite the fact that they draw a 5-figure monthly income.
Source: Mothership
According to The Independent Sg, the article has since been taken down due to the immense amount of backlash. Wah, so what exactly was it about the article that got Singaporean netizens so annoyed?
Well, in the report, the family’s mother, Serene Lee, shared how they were “struggling to make ends meet”, saying,
“There are many middle-income families like us who are suffering despite seeming to make enough.”
Apart from her husband, who earns a 5-figure monthly salary, Serene also has a part-time job, although it is unclear how much she earns.
Source: The Independent
She went on to say that their expenses were “spread thin” because of their many payments, some of which include;
- Their oldest child’s polytechnic school tuition fees [$1,800 (approx. RM5,350) per semester]
- Life-long medication [$2,000 (approx. RM5,940) every year, after subsidies. Without subsidies, about $9,000 (approx. RM26,730) has to be paid every six months, but she only pays over a thousand dollars every six months after subsidies]
- Their daughter’s sailing classes [$300 – $400 (approx. RM890 – RM1,190) annually]
- A domestic worker
On top of that, they also want to start sending their youngest daughter to private tuition, but worry that it would be too steep.
“Specific sports CCAs (co-curricular activities) cost more, and as parents we want to support our kid’s interests too, and if the school offers it, then cost should not be a barrier,” Serene added.
Citing these problems, the mother of three expressed hope that there would be a higher income gap for financial assistance and subsidies for bigger families.
Not long after the article was published, Singaporeans on social media slammed Serene, pointing out that her family could easily cut back from spending on “wants” to save money, citing their 5-figure income as more than enough.
Source: The Independent Sg
Source: Mothership
Source: Mothership
Presumably because of the immense backlash, the article has since been taken down.
What do you think about this situation? Let us know in the comments below!
Also read: Singaporean Fresh Grads’ Salary Now Starts at Nearly $3.5k A Month
