Applications for an increase in fees by private kindergarten operators can only be submitted after a period of three years from the last approved rate, education minister Fadhlina Sidek said today, adding that such increases must not exceed 30%.
Fadhlina said applications would be reviewed and considered fairly, taking into account the interests of all parties, including operators and parents.
“Consideration also covers factors such as location, the facilities provided, and teachers’ qualifications.
“This is 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.
She was responding to Senator Nelson W Angang, who had asked how the government monitors preschool fee increases, especially in the private sector and urban areas, and about the measures to address the issue of preschool teachers still burdened with salaries below the minimum wage.
Fadhlina said private kindergartens providing preschool education for children aged four to six are required to register under Section 20 of the Education Act 1996 and are subject to the ministry’s approval for fees and other charges.
She said the approved fee rates were important for the sustainability of their operations, in line with the National Preschool Quality Standard.
To support low-income families, Fadhlina said the education ministry provided one-off fee assistance for 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.
On the welfare of private kindergarten teachers, she said the minimum wage policy of RM1,700 set by the human resources ministry also applied to the private kindergarten sector.
“The education ministry 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 said.
