ARCPM president Norsheila Abdullah said the closure of daycare centres would cause caregivers to lose their jobs and limit parents’ access to safe and accessible childcare services. (Envato Elements pic)PETALING JAYA: Private daycare and kindergarten operators expect fees to rise by up to 20% when the new RM2,000 minimum wage kicks in next June and increases operating costs.

Malaysian Association of Kindergartens (PTM) chairman Elvis Gan said rising labour costs, along with higher costs for food, hygiene items and learning materials, would strain operators’ finances and prompt fee revisions.

He said operators’ ability to absorb higher wage costs would depend on the number of children enrolled, fee collections and other operating commitments.