How the law is organised
Malaysia distinguishes TASKA, childcare centres for children under four registered under the Child Care Centre Act 1984 and supervised by the Department of Social Welfare, from TADIKA kindergartens for four- to six-year-olds under the Ministry of Education. Government has promoted community and workplace TASKA, including in public sector buildings. Parents can claim income tax relief on registered childcare and kindergarten fees, and some employers provide subsidies.
Across the region the picture holds in Malaysia too: some provision from about age four, hardly any below three. Families bridge the gap with grandmothers, other relatives or paid help, and because that burden lands on women at home, its cost rarely shows up anywhere.
Private centres differ much more in quality than in price. A few concrete questions tell them apart: the number of children for each adult, how long the staff have stayed, whether there is shaded space outdoors, what happens when a child gets hurt, and whether you are welcome to drop in without warning.
Hiring a helper at home creates an employment relationship that the law regulates; it is not a favour. A written agreement, set hours, the minimum wage that applies and social security registration protect both parties, and a fair arrangement is usually the one that lasts.
At a glance
| Pre-primary | State or state-backed places, with coverage that differs from area to area |
|---|---|
| Under 3 | Hardly any formal places; relatives and private day care fill in |
| Private sector | Private crèches and nurseries, mostly found in Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley |
| Oversight | Department of Social Welfare for TASKA; Ministry of Education for TADIKA |
| Support | There is no general childcare allowance; help exists only where stated here |
| Domestic help | Common, and subject to national labour law |
Practical steps
- Check with the nearest government school whether it runs a pre-primary or early childhood class.
- Turn up at a private centre without notice, work out how many children each adult has and inspect the outdoor area.
- Request the registration or licence, and ask what the centre does when a child is injured.
- When hiring help at home, write the terms down and follow the labour law that applies.
- Make arrangements for the long school holidays, when most private centres shut.
What it costs and who pays
Where public pre-primary is available it costs little or nothing, though uniforms, materials and the parents' association contribution still need budgeting. Private care runs at about RM 400 to RM 1,500 a month depending on the state and the type of centre. Anyone hired at home to look after children must receive at least the applicable minimum wage, with the social security contributions national law requires.
What has changed lately
Community and workplace TASKA have been promoted as the main means of expanding affordable provision, particularly in public sector premises.
Who to contact
- Department of Social Welfare for TASKA; Ministry of Education for TADIKA
- The local education office, for state pre-primary places
- Licensed private crèches and nurseries in Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley
- Early childhood centres run by communities or faith groups
- The labour department, for the rules that apply to a domestic employee
Good to know
Only centres registered under the Child Care Centre Act are inspected and qualify for tax relief: ask to see the registration certificate.
Common questions
Is there public childcare for babies?
No. State provision starts at pre-primary age; for under-threes, families depend on relatives or private day care.
What does private provision cost?
About RM 400 to RM 1,500 a month depending on the state and the type of centre, with registration fees and materials on top.
What should I check before enrolling?
The registration or licence, how many children each adult has, how often staff change, safety measures and whether unannounced visits are allowed.
Can I employ someone at home?
Yes, within national labour law: a written agreement, the applicable minimum wage and the social security registration that is required.
Official sources
- MyGovernment — official government portal