Speaking to FMT, Norani said the day-care centres had the absolute right to determine their fees.

She explained that JKM only set the stipulations for a day-care centre to be set up and these had to be met before they can be opened.

“They have to register with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) or the Registrar of Societies (ROS), except for Taman Asuhan Kanak-Kanak (TASKA) at homes which must meet JKM’s minimum standards.

“They also have to comply with the technical requirements of other agencies including local councils, the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), the Health Department and additionally for Sarawak, the Land and Survey department,” she said, adding that these departments would monitor the day-care from a health and safety aspect, amongst others.

According to JKM’s website, those interested in setting up a daycare centre must comply with the Akta Taman Asuhan Kanak-Kanak Act 1984 (Act 308), which lists among its requirements that caregivers must be Malaysians aged 18 and above.

Meanwhile, checks by FMT revealed many private day-care centres in the Klang Valley set their fees according to their needs.

“We decide on our fees as it is within our jurisdiction. In fact, we are registered with JKM and the Ministry of Education (MOE),” said one private day-care centre operator who declined to be named.