KUALA LUMPUR: Fees for childcare centres are expected to increase starting next month to cover additional operating costs, including the rise in the minimum wage, funding for training, and employee welfare.
A parent, who wanted to be known as Ain, said she received a notice of such a hike, which would take effect next month, Utusan Malaysia reported today.
"There is an eight per cent hike in the monthly fee, from RM1,750 to RM1,890," said Ain, who sends her children to kindergarten for children with special needs.
Another mother, who wished to remain anonymous, said a child's average monthly kindergarten fee would double from RM300.
"The RM600 fee, however, only applies for half-day care.
"A full package could cost between RM800 and RM1,000 per month, not including the teachers' and caretakers' overtime payment," she said.
Association of Registered Child Care Providers Malaysia president Norsheila Abdullah said the move was made after taking into account that training fees, which were previously subsidised by the government, were now fully covered by operators, in addition to the rising cost of living.
"The highest costs for operators are wages and contributions (such as Employees' Provident Fund).
"Now, the cost of mandatory training must also be paid by operators," she said.
She said the 25 per cent hike was still considered low compared to the actual operational costs.
Malaysia Association of Kindergartens deputy chairman Elvis Gan said the hike of between 20 and 25 per cent was also contributed by the hike in the cost of learning materials and utility costs.
He however said the rates would differ depending on the locations, branding and the quality of the centres.
"For urban areas such as Kuala Lumpur, for instance, the hike would probably be more apparent, compared to rural areas.
"The rise in prices of goods and other services forced the operators to adjust the kindergarten fees," he said.
In October, it was reported that several associations of kindergarten operators confirmed an increase in fees due to rising operational costs.
They include the Malaysian Islamic Kindergarten Association (Pertim) and the Johor Education Institution Educators Association, representing kindergarten operators, along with the Malaysia Association of Registered Early Childhood and Development Educators.
They said this follows the government's announcement of an increase in the minimum wage to RM1,700 per month, effective Feb 1.