Malaysiakini Childcare Study Report

Raising Malaysia’s Future – Childcare Costs Soar from "RM400,000 to RM1.1 Million"

In today’s challenging economic climate, raising a child in Malaysia comes with a significant financial burden, ranging from RM400,000 to RM1.1 million, primarily due to education expenses through university. Limited access to affordable childcare forces many families to rely on unregistered centres. High education costs and financial pressures are driving smaller family sizes, affecting population growth and steering Malaysia toward an ageing nation without sufficient infrastructure to support it.

What we cover:

Education Spending

Childcare costs in Malaysia are rising, with 75% of parents opting for nurseries or pre-schools. Most pay RM300 to RM800 monthly, plus additional fees and transport costs.

Essential Spending

39% of parents introduce formula milk during infancy. T20 and Chinese parents continue until age 6, spending under RM250 monthly. B40 families transition to solid foods earlier for cost-saving.

Insurance & Healthcare

Health and medical insurance, education plans, and life insurance are top choices for child insurance. 40% of B40 families skip insurance, while T20 spends more, often investing in health and investment-linked plans.

Financial Support

24% of parents receive childcare subsidies, including tax relief and 1Malaysia Childcare Aid, with M40 families benefiting the most from these programs.

Download the full report of this study for more insights and data.

Download full report here

 

How Much of Your Household Income Goes Toward Raising a Child?

Discover the financial impact of raising a child in today’s economy. Take this quick quiz to see how much of your household income is dedicated to childcare expenses and learn how your spending compares to other families.

Part 1: How much does it cost to raise a child?

Part 2: Is there a way to get people to have more babies?