No 25 Fee Hike For Kemas Kindies Nurseries

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A Malay daily previously reported that fees for kindergartens and nurseries nationwide are expected to rise by 20% to 25% following the government’s announcement of an increase in the minimum wage to RM1,700 monthly. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA: The rural and regional development ministry has denied there will be a 25% fee increase for kindergartens and nurseries operated under its department of community development (Kemas).
Kemas, in a statement, said no fee increase would be imposed in the upcoming school session.
“The Madani government, through Kemas, remains committed to alleviating the burden of the people and addressing the challenges faced by the community,” the department said.
Previously, Berita Harian reported that fees for kindergartens and nurseries nationwide are expected to rise by 20% to 25% following the government’s announcement of an increase in the minimum wage to RM1,700 monthly, effective from Feb 1 next year.
The Malay daily cited several groups representing kindergarten and nursery operators who confirmed that the fee hikes would affect around 4,500 of their members due to rising operational costs.
FMT previously quoted the Malaysian Association of Kindergartens chairman Eveleen Ling as saying that any new requirement for kindergarten teachers to be degree holders could result in parents paying higher fees.
Ling could not provide an estimate on the quantum of the fee increase but said any increment must be approved by the private education division under the education ministry.
She was commenting on an announcement by education minister Fadhlina Sidek that there were plans to raise the minimum qualifications for kindergarten teachers to degree holders.

The initiative is part of a new curriculum for kindergartens that will be implemented in 2026.
Ling said early childhood care and education providers are currently paid between RM1,500 and RM5,000 a month.
Once the revised minimum wage of RM1,700 comes into effect in February next year, their salaries would also increase, she said. - FMT

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