KOTA KINABALU, March 29 — A modest babysitting service born on social media here has quietly crossed borders, sending one of its caregivers to China — a small but telling sign...
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— The Borneo Post picand enjoy FREE RM10 & when you sign up using code VERSAMM10 with min. cash of RM100 today! T&Cs apply.KOTA KINABALU, March 29 — A modest babysitting service born on social media here has quietly crossed borders, sending one of its caregivers to China — a small but telling sign of how far grassroots ideas can travel when built on trust, need and word of mouth. For 25-year-old Dania Jeddy, founder of Babysitter Kota Kinabalu, the recent assignment in Yunnan marked a first of such an endeavour, but it might also show a glimpse of what could lie ahead for a business still finding its footing. “The client approached me because she was travelling with one toddler and one baby, and she needed an extra hand,” she said, adding that the client was a Sabahan whose husband is a business owner.Babysitter Natalie, a kindergarten teacher fluent in Mandarin, happened to be on public holiday and was available for the trip.“Her responsibilities included taking care of the children full-time, feeding them, keeping them safe, managing their routine, and ensuring that they would be comfortable and happy throughout the trip,” said Dania. While the assignment might sound routine, it represented a quiet breakthrough for the homegrown service, in that it signified its first step beyond the Malaysian shores.“She is really grateful for the opportunity, and is looking forward to the experience,” said Dania of Babysitter Natalie. Though still in its infancy, the business is already drawing interest beyond Sabah, having garnered enquiries from Bintulu in Sarawak, where a client requires childcare while working outstation.“As the firstborn, I’ve always had a soft spot for children,” said Dania. “During the MCO , while doing my online diploma, I moved to Sibu to take care of three of my cousins for six months.That period would later shape the foundation of Babysitter Kota Kinabalu, which Dania launched last October as a side income while working full-time as a human resources administrator. “I truly love being around children; at the same time, I also want to help parents who may not have support nearby and need someone whom they can trust. “Since Babysitter Kota Kinabalu started on social media, many parents were understandably cautious, worried that I might scam them, sell their child, or worse.From sharing glimpses of her family to documenting her interactions with children, Dania worked hard to humanise the service — one post at a time. Her first client was from TikTok — a young boy whose parents needed childcare during a sports tournament. “They came across my video and reached out to me,” she said, adding the turning point came when a doctor engaged her service during a period of extended work hours.“Many parents just need a few hours of help, someone whom they can trust.” From a solo effort, the service has since grown into a team of 17 babysitters, aged between 20 and 26, with experience and backgrounds ranging from early childhood education to science and marine biology.“I recruited them to help them earn some side income because I knew how tight finances could be for them,” she said. The team operates on a structured, albeit informal, system, requiring background details, resumes and strict adherence to the standard operating procedures . “I only accept candidates from local universities with experience handling children,” she said, also expressing her hope to introduce first-aid training should the funding allow it. The services range from hourly babysitting to overnight care, event’s support and travel-nanny assignments, a segment that Dania hopes to expand further.“We also have loyal clients who keep rehiring us,” she added.Dania’s clients are mostly working parents and small business owners needing temporary childcare support, particularly during events or peak work periods.“When we first started, total sales were around RM1,000. “Now we have four babysitters, each earning about RM1,000 or more every month,” she said, adding that festive seasons such as Chinese New Year and Hari Raya would record spikes in bookings. Yet, beneath the growth lies an unresolved reality — her business is still unregistered, operating in a grey area that limits its potential.“I also want to rent a space to serve as a centre, so as to formalise the business properly,” said Dania.“We also regularly ask for feedback.”For many of Dania’s team members, particularly the students, the platform provides a vital source of income.“Another shared that she could finally treat her family to a nice meal,” she said.“It’s about empowering and supporting women and also students in Sabah.” Still, there are risks — from last-minute cancellations to the weight of responsibility placed upon the caregivers.Looking ahead, the Babysitter Kota Kinabalu founder expressed hope of growing the travel nanny segment and eventually, expand beyond Sabah. “I want Babysitter Kota Kinabalu to stand out with quality and trust,” she said, acknowledging that similar platforms already existed in Peninsular Malaysia. Dania could also see the untapped potential in the tourism sector, where visiting families might require reliable childcare while exploring destinations in Sabah.“Financial and formal support would help us register properly, create practical websites or apps, especially for international tourists.“I felt really happy and proud.Even more importantly, Dania said it affirmed the viability of a simple idea rooted in care.“Believe in yourself and start small. “Even simple ideas can grow if you are consistent, passionate and genuinely care about the people you serve.” — The Borneo Post ‘Little Pakistan’ at Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah in KL: A street shaped by authentic food, businesses, and a sense of home for Pakistani immigrants
Babysitter Dania Jeddy Babysitter Natalie Yunnan Sabah Childcare Travel Nanny Service
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