The kids are back in school and frankly, for most parents, it’s been a whirlwind of preparing for the start of school during the school holidays, especially if you have two or more school-going kids. For many parents, this is also the time where a dent appears in the wallet, with extra spending on uniforms, school supplies, school fees, club fees, transportation fees, and such. This is enough to make any parent think about how much it is to raise a kid in Malaysia exactly. And you thought you could save a bit when the child no longer requires diapers and/or formula milk.
Estimating How Much You Need To Raise A Kid In Malaysia
The fact of the matter is, raising a child – the right and ideal way – could be costly. Even providing them with the basics – from clothing, to food, to schooling and other related costs – already takes up a big portion of household expenses. So how much do you need to raise a kid in Malaysia exactly? We break down the spending for a middle-income family, from the moment a child is born until they’re 17, for an idea of how much to figure into your monthly finances.
Newborn to 2 Years Old
You may be getting plenty of baby essentials as gifts after the little bub is born, but those won’t last (or fit) forever. Still, the gifts will definitely help during the early stages, as you’ll need to set aside cash for childcare, paediatric visits, childcare, and possibly formula milk if you are not breastfeeding for some reason or other.
- Childcare: From RM500 up to RM1600
- Immunisations and check ups: RM150 (monthly average after divided over the whole year)
- Formula milk and food: RM300
- Diapers: RM120 to RM150
- Clothing: RM20 to RM50 (monthly average divided over a year)
Monthly estimate: RM1090 to RM2250
One time extra: Baby/child car seat, stroller, bottle steriliser (if needed)
The cost for childcare varies greatly depending on the area where you live, or where you send your child to. If it’s a well-established centre and/or part of a reputable franchise chain, fees might be on the higher side, but at least you’ll have peace of mind. Of course, you could find cheaper childcare providers – just be sure they are licensed and have a good reputation, or may not require childcare if you’re looking after your child yourself, and the estimate for milk and diapers might differ depending on the brands you buy, but the estimate is more or less the average and the difference might not be that much. You can also get your child immunised at a government clinic or hospital for free, instead of at a private or paediatric clinic.
2 to 4 Years Old
After the age of two, your child may not need regular immunisation appointments, and most of them will be optional at this point. Thus, the monthly estimate will be slightly lower.
- Childcare: RM500 to RM1600
- Food expenses: RM300
- Diapers: RM120
- Clothing: RM20 to RM50 (monthly average divided over a year)
Monthly estimate: RM940 to RM2,070
5 to 6 Years Old
Remember all those savings from not having to buy diapers and formula milk anymore? Well, let’s hope the money was saved, as it’s now going back to kindergarten expenses, including school transportation. If you’re the parent doing school runs, consider these you petrol expenses.
- Kindergarten: RM300 average
- Half-day Day Care: RM350 to RM500
- School transportation: RM100 to RM150
- Food expenses: About RM200
- Clothing: RM20 to RM50 (monthly average divided over a year)
Monthly estimate: RM970 to RM1200
Yearly extras: At most kindergartens, you will be charged a one-time registration fee, which varies among the different schools, as well as an annual fee, which includes the cost of school uniforms and books. There will also be sports day fees and awards day or annual concert fees, which might be included in the annual fee, or to be paid separately before each event. These usually run from RM100 to RM150 on average. You will also need to pay extra for your child to join one or two field trips throughout the year, which could be about RM90 to RM150 per trip, depending on the school and activity.
7 to 12 Years Old
Thankfully, fees are much lower if you’re sending your child to a government school in Malaysia. However, while official school fees are no longer charged, you will be expected to make a donation to the Parent-Teacher Association (or PIBG) for the general upkeep of the school, as well as for extra study materials that the teachers will provide.
- PIBG donation and payments for study tools: RM20 monthly average, usually paid early in the year one-shot
- School club fees: From RM20 to RM100 per month, depending on the sport or activity
- Transportation fees: RM100
- Half-day day care or transit fees: From RM150 to RM300
- Food expenses: RM200-RM300 (including allowance for recess)
Monthly estimate: From RM490 to RM820
Miscellaneous payments: If your child plans to be active in co-curricular activities at school, be prepared to have a fund that will cover their activities. From out-of-state excursions for choral-speaking to sports or cheerleading uniforms for the school’s Sports Day, you’ll need to be able to pay from RM50 up to RM200 per activity at the drop of a hat. Of course, let’s not forget the back-to-school expenses including new uniforms and school shoes, school bags, exercise books and stationery, all of which could come up to around RM300 per child. Despite the extra-curricular activities and school expenses, though, this is probably the time when the estimate on how much you’re spending monthly to raise a kid in Malaysia is lowest. Thus, it’s the best time to sock away the savings at the bank.
13 to 17 Years Old
Ever heard parents complain about their teenagers eating them out of their house? Yes, it’s a thing! Teenagers grow at a rapid rate and are genuinely always hungry, most probably due to their high metabolism rates. Thus, you should allocate a bit more for their food if you want to keep them happy and able to concentrate on their studies. Speaking of studies, once your child enters secondary school, they will most probably need to attend tuition classes (if they haven’t already in primary school).
- PIBG donation and payments for study tools: RM20 monthly average, usually paid early in the year one-shot
- School club fees: From RM20 to RM150 per month, depending on the sport
- Food expenses: RM300-RM500 (including allowance money)
- Transportation fees: RM100
- Tuition classes: From RM100 for one subject up to RM500 or more for 8 subjects and above
Monthly estimate: From RM540 to RM1270
As during primary school, be prepared to pay for miscellaneous expenses such as sports equipment and uniforms, sports day expenses, out-station competitions, field trips and club activities. In fact, the costs may be higher for secondary school activities since students are old enough to participate without having to depend on their parents being there. confinement centre
So what’s the total cost to raise a kid in Malaysia over the course of at least 17 years? Our minimum estimate here puts it at a whopping RM150,960 – a considerable amount, indeed. Of course, you can’t really put a price on love and family, but it would be prudent to be realistic about the costs and adjust expectations of expenses, budget, and of course, income accordingly so that you can enjoy the best moments in life with your loved ones without worrying about whether you can afford it or not.