Childcare Association Urges Start-Up Grants for New Registered Centres in Budget 2027 | KiddyNews

The Malaysian Childcare Centre Association (PPJKKM) has urged the government to introduce start-up grants for newly registered childcare centres under Budget 2027, saying financial support could help reduce the cost of setting up compliant facilities and strengthen the registered childcare sector.

High start-up costs a barrier

PPJKKM founder and chairman Simon Ng said new childcare operators face significant upfront expenses, including premises renovations, fire safety equipment, learning facilities, registration and administrative costs.

“These costs create a heavy financial burden. A government start-up grant could help reduce the barriers to establishing registered childcare centres,” he said in a statement.

The association believes such support could encourage more operators to enter the registered sector and contribute to a more organised and professional childcare industry.

More options for families

Ng said an increase in registered childcare centres would give parents more choices for quality childcare services after school hours, while helping ease childcare responsibilities and financial pressures on families, particularly middle-income households.

He added that having more registered centres could also strengthen safety standards, learning environments and regulatory monitoring, giving parents greater confidence when choosing childcare services.

For families balancing work and childcare, accessible and reliable services can play an important role in supporting both children’s wellbeing and parents’ daily responsibilities.

Childcare as part of family support

Ng also called on the government to recognise the registered childcare sector as part of the wider education and family development support ecosystem when preparing Budget 2027.

He said a more comprehensive and targeted policy approach could strengthen the industry while supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) operating in the education services sector.

“A start-up grant would not only support the growth of SMEs in the education services sector, but also help reduce the burden on families,” he said.

Ng described the proposed grant as a long-term investment that could benefit children, families and communities, and urged the government to consider the proposal positively.

Source:

The Sun – “Belanjawan 2027: PPJKKM cadang geran permulaan pusat jagaan kanak-kanak”

Thoughtfully adapted by KiddyNews. Keeping parents and educators informed with the latest ECCE developments from Malaysia and beyond.