How to Hire a Maid in Malaysia — The Complete Legal Guide

1. What Is a Licensed Maid Agency in Malaysia?

A licensed maid agency in Malaysia is a JTKSM-registered employment agency that is legally authorised to recruit, place, and manage foreign domestic workers on behalf of employers. JTKSM stands for Jabatan Tenaga Kerja Semenanjung Malaysia — the Department of Labour, Peninsular Malaysia, under the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR).

Under Malaysian law, employers wishing to hire a foreign domestic helper — whether Indonesian, Filipino, or from another approved source country — must do so through a JTKSM-licensed agency. Bypassing the licensed agency system creates irregular employment status for the helper and significant legal exposure for the employer.

To verify that an agency is genuinely licensed, check the JTKSM portal (jtksm.mohr.gov.my) or request to see the agency's physical licence certificate. Agensi Pekerjaan PMA Sdn Bhd (PMA) holds a valid JTKSM licence — our licence number is displayed in every branch and on our About page.

2. Who Can Malaysian Families Hire as a Domestic Helper?

Malaysia has government-to-government memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with several source countries for domestic workers. The most common nationalities placed in Malaysian households are:

• Indonesian: The largest source of domestic helpers in Malaysia, governed by the 2022 Malaysia–Indonesia MOU.
• Filipino: Governed by a separate arrangement involving the Philippines Overseas Labour Office (POLO). Higher English proficiency on average.

Other approved source countries include the Philippines, Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Thailand — the approved list changes. Always confirm the current list with JTKSM or your agency.

3. The 8-Step Hiring Process

1. Choose a JTKSM-Licensed Agency

   Verify the agency's licence number on the JTKSM portal. A licensed agency is your legal and operational safeguard throughout the process. PMA has operated as a licensed agency since 1993.

2. Initial Consultation — Define Your Requirements

   A good agency consultation covers: number of household members, presence of elderly or children, helper's required language, cooking requirements, live-in arrangement, and any special duties. This takes 20–45 minutes at PMA. There is no charge and no obligation.

3. Profile Review and Selection

   The agency presents screened helper profiles. Each profile includes work history, skills assessment, language ability, health records, and references. You choose — no placement happens without your explicit agreement.

4. Employer Registration and Application Submission

   The employer signs the necessary forms. The agency submits the application to JTKSM and, where required, coordinates with source country authorities (e.g., POLO for Filipino helpers). Some nationalities require additional overseas processing steps that add to the timeline.

5. FOMEMA Medical Screening

   The domestic helper undergoes a mandatory FOMEMA medical examination. Since January 2024, FOMEMA screenings are required annually. More on FOMEMA below.

6. PLKS Application (Work Permit)

   The agency applies for the helper's PLKS (Pas Lawatan Kerja Sementara) through FWCMS (Foreign Workers Centralised Management System) or MyPass@JIM. The PLKS is a 12-month renewable work permit, valid for up to 13 years total. Processing is handled digitally since February 2025. More on PLKS below.

7. Security Bond and Insurance

   The employer pays the security bond (RM 250 for Indonesian helpers; RM 750 for Filipino helpers —) and arranges personal accident insurance as required. More on the security bond below.

8. Arrival, Employment Contract, and Levy

   The helper arrives. A written employment contract is signed. The employer pays the annual levy. More on the levy below.

4. Documents the Employer Must Prepare

Your agency will guide you through the specific document list, which may vary by nationality. Common requirements include:

• Employer's copy of IC (Identity Card)
• Proof of address
• Latest payslip or letter of employment (to demonstrate income — confirm with JTKSM)
• Signed employer declaration forms
• Personal accident insurance policy for the helper

5. FOMEMA Medical Screening — What It Is and What It Costs

FOMEMA (Foreign Workers Medical Examination Monitoring Agency) is the body designated by the Malaysian government to conduct medical examinations for foreign workers, including domestic helpers.

The FOMEMA exam checks for communicable diseases and medical conditions. Since January 2024, domestic helpers are required to undergo FOMEMA annually (previously it was on renewal). The exam must be conducted at a FOMEMA-registered clinic or panel hospital.

The FOMEMA exam fee is approximately RM 217 per examination as of 2026. Confirm current fee at fomema.com.my.

If a helper fails the FOMEMA exam, they cannot continue to work in Malaysia and must return to their home country. This is a risk that agencies disclose honestly to employers at the profile stage.

6. The PLKS Work Permit

PLKS stands for Pas Lawatan Kerja Sementara — a Temporary Work Visit Pass issued by Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia (the Immigration Department of Malaysia).

The PLKS authorises a foreign domestic helper to work legally in a Malaysian household. Key facts:

• Issued for 12 months at a time, renewable annually
• Renewable for up to 13 years total
• Processing is through FWCMS (Foreign Workers Centralised Management System) or MyPass@JIM since February 2025
• Tied to the specific employer — if employment changes, the PLKS must be updated

The agency handles PLKS applications as part of the placement service. For renewals, PMA provides renewal support to existing clients.

7. The Levy — Who Pays and How Much

The foreign domestic helper levy is an annual payment made by the employer to the Malaysian government. It is not a fee paid to the agency and does not go to the helper — it is a government charge for the privilege of employing a foreign domestic worker.

As of August 2026, the levy for a foreign domestic helper (FDH) is RM 410 per year (flat rate). Confirm at MOHR before finalising budget.

The employer is legally responsible for paying the levy. Some employers negotiate with helpers to share this cost — this arrangement is not prohibited but is a separate agreement and should be in writing.

Levy payment is made via the designated government channels (currently through Jabatan Imigresen approved platforms). Your agency will advise on the current payment method.

8. Security Bond

The security bond is a government-mandated deposit paid by the employer at the time of PLKS application. It is held by the government and is forfeited if the helper absconds or violates immigration conditions. If the employment ends properly — through expiry, termination, or return — the bond is refundable under specified conditions.

Bond amounts as of recent guidelines:

• Indonesian domestic helper: RM 250
• Filipino domestic helper: RM 750

Bond amounts are set by the government and are subject to change. Your agency will advise the current amounts at the time of application.

9. Employment Contract, Salary, and Rest Days

A written employment contract is legally required for all foreign domestic helpers in Malaysia. Foreign domestic helpers are largely excluded from the protections of the Employment Act 1955 — they do not have the same statutory rest day, overtime, and termination entitlements as other employees under that Act — but a written contract setting out duties, salary, working hours, accommodation, and rest is still a legal requirement and a best-practice foundation for a good working relationship.

Minimum salary by nationality (government MOU floors):

• Indonesian domestic helper: RM 1,500/month (Malaysia–Indonesia MOU, 2022).
• Filipino domestic helper: approx. RM 1,900/month (POLO minimum). An increase to approx. RM 2,350 was announced in August 2025 —

Contracts should specify: monthly salary, rest days per week (one day is standard practice), accommodation arrangement, daily duties, and notice period for termination.

10. Total Realistic Cost of Hiring a Domestic Helper in Malaysia

The all-in cost to hire a domestic helper in Malaysia in 2026 varies by nationality and current government fee schedules. It typically includes:

See our dedicated fee breakdown page for current verified figures and what each component means in practice.

11. Common Mistakes First-Time Employers Make

• Not verifying the agency's licence. Always confirm JTKSM registration before signing anything or paying any fee. Ask for the licence number and check it on the MOHR portal.
• Accepting a timeline that is too short. If an agency promises placement in under two weeks, ask exactly how — rushed placements skip screening steps that exist for good reason.
• Not discussing accommodation upfront. A helper who arrives to find they have nowhere to sleep is not a fixable first-day problem. Discuss the room situation before the placement is confirmed.
• Skipping the written employment contract. Even if the relationship feels informal, a written contract protects both parties and is a legal requirement.
• Missing levy payment deadlines. Late levy payment results in penalties and can affect the PLKS status of your helper. PMA sends renewal reminders to all clients.
• Not asking about the replacement policy. Read the agency's replacement guarantee terms before committing — not all guarantees are equal.

12. Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does it take to hire a domestic helper in Malaysia?

  Typically 1–2 months for Indonesian helpers and 2–4 months for Filipino helpers, from initial consultation to the helper's first day. Filipino placements take longer due to POLO (Philippines Overseas Labour Office) documentation requirements. Government processing times can vary — ask your agency for a current estimate at the time of enquiry.

• Who pays the levy — employer or helper?

  The levy is the employer's legal responsibility. Some employers ask helpers to contribute — this is a private arrangement and should be documented in the employment contract if agreed. Do not deduct levy payments from the helper's salary without written agreement.

• What happens if my helper runs away (absconds)?

  If a helper absconds, the employer must report this to the nearest Immigration Department office as soon as possible. Failure to report may result in liability for the helper's continued presence. The security bond will be forfeited. Your agency (PMA) provides guidance on the correct reporting procedure and will initiate the replacement process if applicable.

• Can I hire a domestic helper without an agency?

  For Indonesian and Filipino domestic helpers — the most common source countries — the government-to-government MOU systems require recruitment through a licensed agency. Direct hiring is generally not a legal pathway. Attempting to employ a foreign domestic helper without going through the licensed system creates irregular immigration status for the helper and legal risk for the employer.

Related Guides

• Maid Agency Fees in Malaysia — Full Cost Breakdown
• Hiring an Indonesian Domestic Helper — What You Need to Know
• Hiring a Filipino Domestic Helper — POLO Requirements and Costs
• PMA's Replacement Guarantee — What It Covers