In Malaysia, hiring domestic help often becomes a necessity, especially for those juggling busy careers. However, unless you have family members, friends, or a veritable army of skilled rodents willing to assist with babysitting, cleaning, and cooking, you might find yourself considering hiring a domestic maid.
According to the Malaysian Maid Employers’ Association (MAMA), over 250,000 registered domestic workers are in Malaysia.
Cost of maid in Malaysia
How much is the cost of hiring maid in Malaysia?
The maid agency cost in Malaysia is not cheap. The high cost of hiring foreign domestic helpers, driven by agency fees totalling up to RM12,000 to RM18,000. It remains a significant obstacle for many households.
Why the cost of hiring maid is so expensive in Malaysia?
Hiring a domestic worker through an employment agency could cost between RM12,000 and RM18,000, despite the official rate fixed by the Malaysian and Indonesian governments being only RM8,000.
The agency fee, which includes recruitment, obtaining work visas, and training, makes up the bulk of the cost. The remaining cost is borne by the maid through a RM300 deduction from her monthly salary over six months.
Can I hire a maid directly without agency?
Hiring a maid through an agency often involves long waiting times, which has contributed to higher hiring costs. The new direct hiring online maid system offers a solution, allowing employers to hire foreign domestic helpers already in Malaysia on a social visit pass.
This system significantly shortens the hiring process as prospective workers are already in the country. The entire process is estimated to take about eight days, provided all the required documents and requirements are fulfilled.
What is the cost of directly hiring a foreign maid?
Direct hiring of foreign domestic helpers, according to Immigration Department, would cost around RM3,600 to RM3,800. This includes levy fees, visit pass (temporary work), visa, processes set according to the respective countries, and flight costs.
What are the potential challenges of direct hiring a foreign maid?
While direct hiring offers advantages, it also presents certain challenges. These include difficulty in finding a foreign helper, risk of scams, and lack of training.
With direct hiring, the responsibility to train the helper falls on the employer, including introducing the worker to a new culture.
Who can be hired and who can hire?
The potential employee must be female, aged between 21 and 45, and come from one of nine approved countries. They must also be physically fit, free from any criminal records, and not have an active Temporary Work Permit (PLKS) with other employers.
Employers must either be a citizen or permanent resident of Malaysia, with approved reasons for hiring, and meet income eligibility according to source countries.
Should I use the agency to hire a maid or do it myself?
The decision to hire a domestic helper may often come down to personal preference. It is essential to ensure that you are getting your money’s worth and peace of mind.
After weighing the pros and cons, spending the extra RM7,760 annually might prove to be a worthwhile investment.
