Domestic Helper Guides & Updates

Practical information about hiring and managing domestic helpers in Malaysia — written by PMA based on 30+ years of placement experience. Regulatory updates are reviewed against official sources before publication.

Editorial standard: Every article on this blog is reviewed against official government sources before publication. Regulatory figures (levy, FOMEMA fees, MOU salary floors, permit rules) are linked to their source. Where a figure is under review or unconfirmed, we mark it rather than publish an estimate as fact. See our editorial policy.

Pillar Guide

Updated 6 August 2026

How to Hire a Domestic Helper in Malaysia — Complete 2026 Guide

Step-by-step guide covering the full hiring process: choosing between Indonesian and Filipino helpers, employer documents, FOMEMA, PLKS, security bonds, MOU salary floors, and total cost breakdown. Includes HowTo schema and government source links.

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Latest Articles

Fees & Costs · Aug 2026

Maid Agency Fees in Malaysia — What You Actually Pay

Transparent breakdown of government fees (levy RM 410, FOMEMA RM 217, security bonds) versus agency fees, with the questions to ask any agency before signing.

Nationality Guide · Aug 2026

Indonesian Domestic Helpers — MOU Terms, Salary, and What to Expect

The 2022 Malaysia-Indonesia MOU explained: RM 1,500 minimum salary, RM 15,000 fee cap, one-channel system, and placement timeline.

Nationality Guide · Aug 2026

Filipino Domestic Helpers — POLO Process, Salary & Costs, and Who They Suit

What the POLO/POEA process means for Malaysian employers, the approx. RM 1,900 minimum salary, RM 750 security bond, and side-by-side comparison with Indonesian helpers.

Elderly Care · Aug 2026

Elderly Care by Domestic Helpers — What to Look For in a Profile

What PMA screens for when placing a helper for elderly care: physical capacity, patience, communication, medication routine familiarity, and the Indonesian vs Filipino choice.

Placement Tips · Aug 2026

Replacement Guarantee — When It Applies and When It Doesn't

Plain-English explanation of PMA's replacement policy: what is covered, what isn't, the step-by-step claim process, and what costs still apply to replacement placements.

Permits & Compliance · Aug 2026

FOMEMA Goes Annual — What the 2024 Change Means for Employers

Since January 2024, FOMEMA medical examinations for domestic helpers are required annually (previously biennial). What this means for your costs and renewal calendar. Full article coming soon.

Coming soon

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The blog covers general guidance. For your specific household situation — number of people, care needs, budget, timeline — speak to a PMA branch directly. Consultations are free and without obligation.

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