Maid Agency Fees in Malaysia — Full Cost Breakdown (2026)

Why Most Agencies Don't Publish Their Fees

Domestic helper agency fees are one of the most searched but least-answered questions in the Malaysian market. Most agencies keep fees off their websites because they prefer to quote each family individually — often adjusting based on perceived willingness to pay, rather than a published standard.

PMA publishes this breakdown because we believe families making a significant household decision deserve to understand what they are paying, what it goes toward, and whether the figures they are being quoted elsewhere are reasonable.

The Two Categories of Cost

The total cost of hiring a domestic helper in Malaysia falls into two categories:

1. Government-mandated fees — set by regulation and the same regardless of which agency you use. These include the levy, FOMEMA, security bond, and insurance.
2. Agency fees — charged by the agency for their recruitment, matching, documentation, and placement services. These vary by agency and by nationality. For Indonesian helpers, there is a regulated maximum.

Government Fees — What You Pay to the Government

Agency Fees — What You Pay PMA

The agency fee covers PMA's services: recruitment coordination, profile screening, documentation handling, JTKSM submissions, liaison with source country authorities, and post-placement support.

Indonesian Domestic Helper

Under the Malaysia–Indonesia MOU, the maximum total agency fee that can be charged to the employer for placing an Indonesian domestic helper is RM 15,000. This cap is regulated — any agency charging above this is in violation of the MOU. The cap covers all agency-related charges, not including the government fees listed above.

PMA's actual agency fee for Indonesian helpers: Contact a branch for a written quotation. The regulated cap is RM 15,000 maximum.

Filipino Domestic Helper

For Filipino domestic helpers, the fee structure is governed by POLO (Philippines Overseas Labour Office) requirements. The POLO Standard Employment Contract specifies conditions but does not set a single industry-wide cap in the same way as the Indonesia MOU.

PMA's agency fee for Filipino helpers: Contact a branch for a written quotation.

Ongoing Monthly Cost — Helper's Salary

Beyond the one-time placement costs and annual government fees, the ongoing monthly cost is the helper's salary. Minimum salary levels are set by government-to-government MOUs:

These are legal minimums. Many families pay above the minimum, particularly for helpers with specialist skills (elderly care, infant care) or longer experience. PMA will advise on what the market rate looks like at the time of your placement.

Total First-Year Cost — Indicative Estimate

This is a rough indicative table. Every figure below marked must be confirmed with PMA or the relevant government body before you finalise your budget.

Salary minimum is indicative based on approx. RM 1,900/month. Confirm the current applicable minimum with PMA before finalising your budget.

Payment Breakdown — Who Gets What

A clear picture of where your money goes, because this question is asked often:

• To the Malaysian government: Levy, FOMEMA fee, security bond, PLKS fee.
• To PMA (the agency): Agency service fee — covers recruitment, screening, documentation, liaison, and post-placement support.
• To the helper: Monthly salary. The helper receives their salary in full — deductions are not permitted except where explicitly agreed in writing and permitted by law.
• To the insurer: Personal accident insurance premium.

Questions to Ask Any Agency Before Signing

1. What is your JTKSM licence number? (Then verify it yourself.)
2. Is your agency fee an all-in figure, or are there additional charges?
3. What government fees are included, and what do I pay separately?
4. What does your replacement guarantee cover, and for how long?
5. Do you charge anything to the helper? (If yes, under what arrangement?)

Frequently Asked Questions — Fees

• Is there a cap on agency fees for Indonesian helpers?

  Yes. The Malaysia–Indonesia MOU sets a maximum total agency fee of RM 15,000 for placing an Indonesian domestic helper. No licensed agency can legally charge above this cap. This covers all agency-related charges but does not include the separate government fees (levy, FOMEMA, security bond, insurance) which you pay directly to the government.

• Do I need to pay anything before the helper arrives?

  Most agencies require a deposit or partial agency fee payment when you confirm a placement. The balance is typically paid on or around the helper's arrival, along with government fees. PMA will give you a payment schedule in writing before you commit to anything.

• Can I deduct the levy or other costs from the helper's salary?

  The levy is the employer's legal obligation. If you and your helper agree in writing to share the levy cost, this is a separate private arrangement — but it must be in writing and agreed to before employment starts. Do not deduct anything from salary without explicit written agreement, as this may violate the terms of the employment contract and potentially immigration regulations.

Ready to get an accurate, current quote? Call any PMA branch for a no-obligation consultation and written fee breakdown for your specific situation.