Quality childcare a costly challenge

PETALING JAYA: Urban parents want safe, high-quality childcare, but rising costs and limited options are forcing tough choices.

For Masmira Ramly, a 34-year-old pharmacy assistant and mother of one, said finding a suitable childcare centre is far from straightforward, as she must consider location, quality, and affordability.

“My biggest challenge is trust. When I hand over my baby to others, I need to feel confident that they will be well cared for.

“Most centres do not provide live CCTV access due to privacy concerns, which makes it difficult to monitor my child during the day,” she said.

She cited reports of infants under six months choking on milk – and, in some cases, dying - at childcare centres as a source of constant anxiety.

Masmira said affordability is a pressing concern when choosing a quality childcare centre.

She explained that safe, high-quality centres cost around RM1,800 or more per month, an amount that strains a middle-income budget and leaves little room for savings.

“Meanwhile, many centres under RM1,000 tend to be unregistered with the Social Welfare Department (JKM), have lower hygiene standards, accept too many infants at once, or lack structured learning programmes, such as those based on the PERMATA syllabus,” she said.

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Masmira also found that her options were limited and often expensive as she lives in a central area near Bangsar and Seputeh, where fees average around RM2,000 per month.

This led her to explore centres closer to her workplace for easier daily drop-offs and pick-ups, while still prioritising safety, cleanliness, recommended teacher-to-child ratios, good management, and a structured daily schedule for her child.

Wan Muhammad Rifa’at Rosli, a 33-year-old credit consultant, shares a similar struggle.

“It’s hard to find a good kindergarten close to home, and even if there is one, places fill up quickly,” he said, highlighting the fierce competition for quality early childhood education.

Wan Muhammad pointed out that well-known kindergartens in his area often charge higher fees than those in other locations.

“You have to book early. Otherwise, spots are gone. Registration can cost around RM2,500, with monthly fees of about RM630,” said the father of two who lives in Putrajaya.

“Because there are limited quality kindergartens nearby, I had to register my child early to secure a place,” he added.

Freelancer Lee Gar Wei, 35, said affordability and environment were her main concerns when looking for a suitable childcare centre.

“The childcare centre currently charges very high fees, including substantial miscellaneous and half-yearly charges.

“Some centres also have too many children, which leaves little space for movement,” said the mother of three who lives in Petaling Jaya.

For Lee, hygiene, safety, and the teachers’ attitudes remain top priorities when deciding on early childhood education for her child.

Executive Adilla, 31, said that while Cyberjaya has no shortage of childcare centres, finding one that is safe, high-quality and affordable remains a challenge.

Good options are limited and fill up quickly.

She prefers centres with their own standalone building and outdoor space, so that children can spend time outside instead of being confined indoors.

However, such facilities often come with higher fees or are not conveniently located.

She said her biggest concern is the quality of carers, as this directly affects her children’s safety and well-being.

“Finding a centre that truly adheres to the JKM’s child-to-carer ratio is difficult. I also make site visits to ensure the teachers are well-trained and genuinely passionate about caring for young children,” she said.