The study, done at several nurseries/day care centres around the Klang Valley showed that the minimum fees charged to couples to mind one child, averaged around RM1,000.

A minder of a nursery here, who only wanted to be identified as Mei, justified the fees charged, saying it was in line with “modern” methods of childcare applied at her place.

“For children aged between three to 16 months, we charge RM1,350, while it costs RM1,200 to take care of children between 18 months and three years.

“The fees commensurate with the ‘modern’ methods used, such as the conducive learning environment we provide, with up to three teachers assigned to one class. Our centre is also fully equipped with security features.”

According to her, the children sent to her nursery are also covered under a group insurance policy.

A caretaker of a second nursery surveyed by FMT echoed Mei’s comments, saying the fees were reasonable with current times.

“We charge an initial fee of RM1,010 for half a day and RM1,460 for a full day’s care for children aged between two and four years old.

“From the second month onwards, the monthly charges are only RM700, which includes food, stationery, uniforms and occasional excursions,” said the woman, who gave her name as Fong.

She reasoned that charging any lower would result in great financial losses for them.