Expect up to 40% hike in nursery and kindie fees, parents told

KUALA LUMPUR: Parents should brace for an increase of up to 40% in nursery and kindergarten fees with the new minimum wage in effect.

The Putrajaya Nursery and Kindergarten Operator Association (Puspajaya) said while it supported the increase of the minimum wage to RM1,500, parents should also understand the need to increase fees in line with the rise in operating costs.

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“Puspajaya supports the implementation of minimum wage but nursery and kindergarten operators would be affected should they continue with the old fees," Puspajaya president Husna Abdul Rahaman told The Star on Thursday (June 9).

“We hope the ministries and departments that oversee nurseries and kindergartens in workplaces, as well as parents who send their children to private nurseries and kindergartens, understand the situation and are prepared for an increase in fees in the near future," she added.

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A study conducted by Puspajaya predicted that the hike will be between 20% and 40%, Husna said.

“Operators are bound by a policy that sets the teacher/caretaker-to-children ratio.

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"The operators have no option but to maintain (that number of) workers and this will place an additional burden on us when the new minimum wage is implemented.

“We hope parents understand that the hike is to cover our operational fees, as well as food and ensuring their children's comfort," she said.

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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob previously said the new minimum wage, which came into effect on May 1, would only involve companies in the private sector which have five employees or more.

Husna also hoped that the government would review the minimum subsidy and parents' eligibility to apply for it in order to send their children to registered nurseries.

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“For example, those who can apply for the subsidies are those with an income of RM800 per month. We feel that it should be expanded to include those with up to RM2,500 monthly income.

“The RM180 subsidy per child should also be increased to RM300 given the costs that parents are bearing now,” she added.

She also suggested an additional allowance from the government for teachers from local universities and colleges who are qualified in preschool education.

“This incentive has been implemented in our neighbouring countries, Singapore and Indonesia, as well as developed countries in support of their (teachers') efforts in shaping the country's future," she said.