Parents can breathe a sigh of relief as the Education Ministry has set clear rules to control fee increases in private kindergartens.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek announced that private kindergartens may only apply to increase fees once every three years, and the amount cannot exceed 30% of the last approved rate.
When considering applications, the ministry will assess factors such as the kindergarten’s location, facilities, and the qualifications of teachers to ensure that children continue receiving quality education at a fair cost.
“All private kindergartens catering to children aged four to six must be registered under the Education Act 1996 (Act 550), and their fees require approval from the ministry,” Fadhlina reminded.
Helping Families Who Need It Most
To support children from lower-income families, the ministry provides a one-off fee aid to eligible students from the B40 group. In 2025, a total of 1,106 children benefited, each receiving RM1,175.40—with most recipients in Sabah, Sarawak, and Kelantan.
Protecting Teachers Too
Fadhlina also highlighted that the minimum wage of RM1,700, set by the Human Resources Ministry, applies to private kindergarten teachers as well. Teachers are also required to hold at least a diploma in early childhood education, ensuring children are taught by trained professionals.
The ministry believes these rules strike a balance between making sure kindergartens remain sustainable while keeping education accessible and affordable for families.
Source: Bernama — “Private Kindergarten Fee Hikes Only Allowed After Three Years – Fadhlina,”
Thoughtfully adapted by KiddyNews — keeping parents and educators informed with the latest ECCE developments from Malaysia and beyond.