Last week, prime minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that the minimum wage will be increased from RM1,500 to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025.
While some may see this as a positive thing, it’s not without its effects too as kindergarten and nursery fees will see a jump as a result.
Kindergarten and nursery fees expected to rise by 25%
According to the Malaysian Islamic Kindergarten Association (Pertim), As Johor Education Institution Educators Association, and Malaysia Association of Registered Early Childhood and Development Educators, they said fees will see an increase of between 20% and 25% next year.
As such, 4,500 of their members have confirmed that they will be raising fees due to “rising operational costs.”
Speaking to Berita Harian, Pertim honorary advisor Zaharah Awang said its members are gearing up to increase their fees caused by various factors such as rise in salaries, raw materials for food, teaching aid, rent and utility bills.
However, she added that approval must be sought from the the State Education Department or District Education Office before operators are allowed to increase their fees.
Our 1,000 members, who are also kindergarten operators nationwide, are in a tough spot. They don’t want to increase the fees but must do so to continue operating the kindergartens,” lamented Zaharah.
Meanwhile, Johor Education Institution Educators Association chairman Hazman Sapawi said 500 kindergartens within the state will increase their fees in line with the newly announced minimum wage.
Additionally, Malaysia Association of Registered Early Childhood and Development Educators deputy treasury Norazlina Adom revealed kindergarten fees nationwide would rise by 13% to 20% next year.
This includes 3,000 kindergartens across Malaysia and 250 in Johor.
What do you think of this increase in kindergarten and nursery fees? Share with us in the comment section!
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