PETALING JAYA: Childcare providers in the Klang Valley are expected to raise their fees by RM20 to RM70 per child next year in response to rising costs of essentials following the implementation of the minimum wage of RM1,700.
A Kosmo! Ahad report interviewed several caregivers who indicated they would increase their fees to accommodate these rising expenses.
One of the babysitters, Zuriati Abu Wahab, 49, said she had informed the parents of her charges that she would increase her babysitting fees by RM50 to allow them to prepare in advance.
"As usual, whenever salaries go up or bonuses are given, prices rise. We (caregivers) also need to cover our living expenses," she said.
Starting next year, Zuriati said she will charge RM650 for infants aged three months to one year, an increase from the current RM600.
For children aged one to two years, her fee will increase by RM30 to RM480. For children who transit at the babysitters from school, parents will be charged RM430 with a late pickup charge of RM10 per hour.
Zuriati believes the increase is reasonable.
Another caregiver, only identified as Esah, 51, shared that she will raise her fees by RM20 next year.
She currently charges RM630 for infants, which will increase to RM650. Esah said she has not raised her rates for two years and limits her number of charges to three to ensure proper attention.
Esah noted that each caregiver has their own approach.
"I manage their meals; parents only need to drop off their children with formula and clothing. I take care of everything else."
Another babysitter, Hayati, 54, also plans to increase her fees by RM50 next year to RM500, having charged RM450 for the past 10 years.
She considers this increase reasonable to cover rising costs.
"Currently, the average cost per day is about RM22.50 per child. If parents find it expensive, they should consider the rising costs of goods and the annual salary increases," she explained.
She said she would discuss her fees with families who have multiple children.