Childcare & Preschools in Sabah: TASKA, KEMAS & Tadika
What childcare and preschool options are there in Sabah?
Sabah parents can choose JKM-registered TASKA childcare for children under 4, government Tabika KEMAS preschool for Malaysian children aged 4 to 6, or private kindergartens (tadika), including Montessori centres. Always check a TASKA is registered with JKM.
Childcare and preschool options at a glance
Before primary school, Sabah parents have three broad routes: registered TASKA childcare for children under 4, government KEMAS preschool for ages 4 to 6, and a growing choice of private and Montessori kindergartens. The right fit usually comes down to your child’s age, your budget, and how close a good centre is to home or work.
The one rule that matters most: every TASKA must be registered with JKM (the Social Welfare Department) under the Child Care Centre Act 1984 (Act 308), which sets safety and care standards (MyGOV portal, checked 7 October 2026). For childcare subsidies and tax relief, see our family support guide.
Registered childcare — TASKA (under 4)
A TASKA (Taman Asuhan Kanak-Kanak) provides care and early education for children under 4 years old and must be registered with JKM under the Child Care Centre Act 1984 (Act 308) (MyGOV portal, checked 7 October 2026). These are the centres most working parents rely on for full-day care.
Fees vary widely with location, hours, meals and facilities, so ask each centre for its full fee schedule and what is included.
Check a centre on the JKM register of TASKA or, for KEMAS-run centres, the KEMAS TASKA list (checked 7 October 2026). An unregistered centre is not covered by JKM standards.
Government preschool — KEMAS (ages 4–6)
Tabika KEMAS is the government preschool programme for Malaysian children aged 4 to 6 in the year of application. It follows the Ministry of Education's National Preschool Standard Curriculum (KSPK) and gives priority to low-income (B40) families and rural areas (MyGOV portal, checked 7 October 2026). Fees are low; KEMAS said in December 2024 that it would not raise them (FMT, checked 7 October 2026). Ask your nearest centre for the current amount.
There are Tabika KEMAS centres across Kota Kinabalu and the districts. Submit the registration form and documents directly to your nearest centre. Places are popular, so enquire early.
Private preschools & Montessori
Private kindergartens (tadika) give more choice of curriculum, language and facilities. In KK these range from small neighbourhood kindergartens to centres that describe themselves as Montessori.
Fees vary widely. When comparing, look beyond price at the teacher-to-child ratio, the daily routine, meals, and the centre's registration.
What it costs
What each option charges depends on the centre:
| Type | Typical age | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Government Tabika KEMAS | 4–6 | Low government fees; ask your nearest centre |
| JKM-registered TASKA | Under 4 | Set by each centre |
| Private tadika (including Montessori) | 4–6 | Set by each centre |
For childcare fee subsidies and tax relief, see the family financial support guide. Always confirm current fees directly with each centre.