KUALA LUMPUR: The Education Ministry (MOE) has set that applications for fee increases by private kindergarten operators can only be submitted after a period of three years from the last approved rate, and such increases must not exceed 30%.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said applications received will be reviewed and considered fairly, taking into account the interests of all parties, including operators and parents.
"Consideration also covers factors such as location, facilities provided, and teachers’ qualifications. This aims to ensure that private kindergartens continue to provide quality and affordable preschool services,” she said when replying to a question during the oral question session in the Dewan Negara on Tuesday (Aug 26).
She was responding to Senator Datuk Nelson W Angang, who asked how the government monitors preschool fee increases, especially in the private sector and urban areas, as well as the measures taken to address the issue of preschool teachers still burdened with salaries below the minimum wage.
Fadhlina said all private kindergartens providing preschool education for children aged four to six are required to register under Section 20 of the Education Act 1996 [Act 550] and are subject to MOE’s approval of fees and other charges.
She explained that the approved fee rates are important for the sustainability of these institutions’ operations in line with the National Preschool Quality Standard.
To support low-income families, Fadhlina said the MOE also provides one-off fee assistance to B40 pupils enrolled in private kindergartens.
"For 2025, a total of 1,106 B40 pupils have benefited from this assistance, amounting to RM1,175.40 each for a year of study, particularly in Sabah, Sarawak, and Kelantan,” she said.
Commenting on the welfare of private kindergarten teachers, she said the minimum wage policy of RM1,700 set by the Human Resources Ministry also applies to the private kindergarten sector.
"The MOE welcomes this policy, which is in line with the minimum qualification requirement for kindergarten teachers, namely a diploma in early childhood education. We are also confident that enforcement measures will enhance awareness and compliance among kindergarten operators,” she added. - Bernama
