One of the notable announcements made by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the tabling of Budget 2025 last Friday was the increase of Malaysia’s minimum wage from RM1,500 to RM1,700 starting February next year.
Well, we might just see one of the effects of the increased minimum wage as several Malaysian education, kindergarten and nursery associations have revealed that kindergarten and nursery fees are expected to increase between 20 and 25% next year.
Kindergarten and nursery fees to increase next year due to rising operation costs
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According to a report by Berita Harian, the Malaysian Islamic Kindergarten Association (PERTIM) and the Johor Education Institution Educators Association, which represents kindergarten operators, as well as the Malaysia Association of Registered Early Childhood and Development Educators, which represents nursery operators, confirmed fee increases among approximately 4,500 of their members due to the rise in operational costs.
PERTIM honorary advisor Zaharah Awang was quoted by Berita Harian as saying that around 1,000 of its members nationwide are preparing to increase their fees due to rising operational costs not only due to their workers, especially teachers’ wages, but also the increase in costs of raw materials for food, teaching aid, rent and utility bills.
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However, Zaharah clarified that the fee hike requires approval from the state’s education department or the district education office.
Kindergartens nationwide will increase fees as early as January 2025
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Meanwhile, Johor Education Institution Educators Association chairman Hazman Sapawi confirmed that 500 kindergartens in the state will hike their fees following the minimum wage’s increase to RM1,700.
Besides that, Malaysia Association of Registered Early Childhood and Development Educators deputy treasury Norazlina Adom told the Malay-language publication that kindergarten fees nationwide will increase between 13% and 20% starting January next year.
These include 3,000 kindergartens nationwide and 250 in Johor.
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So, what do you guys think of the kindergarten and nursery fees increase touted for next year? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
