KOTA KINABALU: July 7, 2026 – Sabah needs to increase the number of registered nurseries to meet the rising demand for early childhood care expected by 2030, while continuing to ensure child safety and welfare, a minister has said.
State Minister for Women, Health and Community Wellbeing, Datuk Julita Majungki, said there are currently only about 230 registered nurseries operating across Sabah. However, the number of children aged zero to four is projected to reach 445,000 by 2030.
She said this projection would require approximately 110,000 nursery places to accommodate early childhood care needs.
The minister also revealed that 95 unregistered nurseries have been identified as still operating in Sabah, with some currently in the process of obtaining approval from local authorities.
She therefore urged parents to prioritise registered nurseries, as such premises are subject to regular monitoring and enforcement, thereby reducing child safety risks.
“Solutions must be found to identify the root causes of abuse, and preventive measures must continue to be strengthened,” she said.
“At the same time, parents must realise that sending children to unregistered nurseries exposes them to greater risk, as no periodic monitoring is carried out.”
Ms Julita was speaking at the closing ceremony of the Sabah State Nursery Day celebration at 1Borneo Hypermall on July 5.
She stressed that the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras is a mandatory requirement for nursery registration, and that all operators must comply to ensure the ongoing safety of children.
“Investment in early childhood development is not only important for family wellbeing, but also represents a strategic investment in human capital development and Sabah’s future,” she added.
Also present was Ivy Benjamin Botingon, President of the Sabah Nursery Services Association (PPTS).
