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Are you researching the general costs to hire a maid in Malaysia? In this comprehensive guide, we will provide a detailed breakdown of all the relevant expenses involved!
Let's begin with:
A) Initial Placement Fee
When hiring a maid through a maid agency in Malaysia, the initial placement fee is one of the primary costs. This fee typically covers:
Costs | Explanation |
Recruitment Costs | Expenses incurred by the agency to recruit the maid, including advertising, interviews, and selection processes. |
Documentation Fees | Costs for processing the necessary work permits, visas, and other legal documents. |
Training | Some agencies provide training for maids to ensure they meet certain standards before being placed in your home. |
The initial placement fee charged by maid agencies in Malaysia can range from RM 12,000 to RM 18,000, depending on the agency and the maid’s country of origin.
B) Monthly Salary
The monthly salary of a maid in Malaysia varies based on experience, skills, and nationality. On average, you can expect to pay:
Indonesian Maid: RM 1,500
Filipino Maid: RM 1,800
C) Monthly food/ living allowance
Employers are typically responsible for providing food, hygiene products, and other basic necessities for the maid. This allowance covers the cost of these items to ensure the maid's well-being and comfort. Since this expense is up to the employer, the minimum is usually RM300, but it may vary depending on the employer's discretion and the maid's specific needs.
D) Levy and Other Government Fees
Employers are required to pay a yearly levy for hiring a foreign maid in Malaysia, which is RM 610 per year. Additionally, there may be other government-related fees such as medical check-ups, insurance, and visa renewals, which can add up to around RM 1,500 to RM 2,000 annually.
D) Insurance
It is mandatory to purchase insurance for your maid, covering personal accident, hospitalization, and repatriation. The cost of a comprehensive insurance package ranges from RM 300 to RM 500 per year.
E) Additional Costs
Occasionally, you may encounter additional costs such as:
Costs | Explanation |
Medical Expenses | Unplanned medical expenses not covered by insurance |
Travel Expenses | If the maid returns to her home country for holidays or emergencies, you may need to cover travel costs. |
Agency Fees | Some agencies charge ongoing fees for managing the employment relationship and providing support services such as counseling services. |
With all this information in mind, let's create an assumption scenario and calculate both the upfront cost and the average monthly cost of hiring a maid in Malaysia.
Assumption Scenario:
You decide to hire an Indonesian maid.
You go through a maid agency.
You account for all government fees, insurance, and potential additional costs.
Monthly food/ living allowance is RM400.
Additional annual expenses is RM1500.
Costs | Amount (RM) |
Initial Placement Fee | 15,000 |
Other Government Fee | 1,750 |
Insurance | 400 |
Total Upfront Costs | 17,150 |
Yearly Costs:
Yearly Levy (RM610) + Other Government Fees (RM1750) + Insurance (RM400) +Additional Yearly Expense (RM1500) = RM4,260
Monthly Share of Yearly Costs:
RM4,260/ 12 = RM355
Costs | Amount (RM) |
Monthly Salary | 1,500 |
Monthly Share of Yearly Costs | 355 |
Monthly food/ living allowance | 400 |
Total Average Monthly Costs | 2,255 |
Therefore, in this scenario, the upfront cost of hiring an Indonesian maid in Malaysia would be approximately RM 17,150, and the average monthly cost would be around RM 2,255.
It is important to note that estimating the exact cost can be challenging due to variations in agency fees, the maid's country of origin, and additional unforeseen expenses.
Do not be put off by these prices, as when one compares the cost of hiring local service providers versus hiring a foreign domestic worker, it becomes apparent that hiring a foreign domestic worker is a more financially viable option. Although the upfront cost of hiring a maid is higher, it will even out and be cheaper in the long run. Here’s a comparison of the costs for local services:
Assuming that you are to outsource the responsibilities of a maid to different agencies, let’s break down the various costs you would incur for each type of service:
Costs | Amount (RM) |
Housekeeping | 680 |
Childcare/ baby-sitting | 1,600 |
Food delivery services/eating out | 1,200 |
Total Average Monthly Costs | 3,480 |
Calculation Breakdown
Housekeeping:
Cleaning service is RM 85 per session, twice a week.
Monthly cost: RM85×2×4=RM680RM 85 \times 2 \times 4 = RM 680RM85×2×4=RM680 (source: Grabmaid).
Childcare/Babysitting:
Full-time babysitting for one child is RM 1,600 (source: Little Playhouse). This cost can be even higher if there are more children.
Eating Out:
Assuming dinner only, since a maid could help prepare this after you come back from work.
RM 40 per meal for a family of 3.
Monthly cost: RM40×30=RM1,200RM 40 \times 30 = RM 1,200RM40×30=RM1,200.
When you compare this to the cost of hiring a maid, the financial benefits become clear. The total average monthly cost for local service providers amounts to RM 3,480, whereas the cost of hiring an Indonesian maid, including all related expenses, is around RM 2,155. This significant difference shows that hiring a foreign domestic worker can be a more economical choice for comprehensive household assistance.
Additional Services and Benefits Provided by a Maid
Apart from housekeeping, childcare, and preparing meals, a maid can provide a wide range of other services, including:
Laundry and Ironing: Taking care of all the household laundry needs.
Grocery Shopping: Running errands such as grocery shopping and other necessary purchases.
Elderly Care: Assisting with the care of elderly family members, including companionship and basic medical care.
Pet Care: Taking care of pets, including feeding, walking, and grooming.
General Household Maintenance: Keeping the household in order, managing minor repairs, and maintaining cleanliness.
Other Benefits of Hiring a Maid
Consistency and Reliability: Having a maid ensures that household chores are done regularly and to a consistent standard, providing peace of mind and a well-maintained home environment.
Time-Saving: With a maid handling daily chores, you and your family can save valuable time, allowing you to focus on work, leisure, and family time.
Personalized Assistance: A maid can tailor their services to the specific needs of your household, offering flexibility that specialized service providers may not be able to match.
Convenience: Having a live-in maid means that help is available at any time, which can be especially beneficial during emergencies or unexpected situations.
Therefore, despite the higher upfront cost, hiring a maid in Malaysia proves to be a cost-effective and convenient solution in the long run, providing a wide array of services that enhance the quality of life and overall household management.
Introducing MyPeople: Your Reliable Partner for Maid Services
Choosing the right maid agency can make a significant difference in the hiring process and overall experience. MyPeople, a trusted name in the industry, offers comprehensive services to ensure that you find the perfect match for your household needs. With a transparent pricing structure and a commitment to quality, MyPeople has successfully assisted countless families across Malaysia.
For reliable maid services and transparent pricing, consider partnering with MyPeople. Our agency takes pride in providing top-notch service, ensuring your satisfaction and peace of mind. Visit our website or contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in finding the perfect domestic helper for your home.
By understanding the costs involved and choosing a reputable agency like MyPeople, you can make a well-informed decision that fits your budget and meets your household needs. Hiring a maid can bring convenience, flexibility, and significant savings, making it an excellent choice for many families in Malaysia.
Take the first step towards a more manageable household today—partner with MyPeople and experience the difference.
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