Malaysia has a growing middle class and a high percentage of dual-income households. This creates a strong demand for domestic workers to manage household responsibilities such as childcare, cooking, cleaning, and elder care.
The domestic work sector provides employment opportunities for individuals who may lack formal education or specialized skills. It serves as an accessible job option for many workers from neighboring countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines.
For many foreign domestic workers, wages in Malaysia are significantly higher than what they could earn in their home countries. These jobs allow them to support their families through remittances.
Malaysia has formal recruitment agencies and government-regulated procedures for hiring domestic workers. This structure provides a legal pathway for employment, though challenges related to worker rights and protections still exist.
Many employers in Malaysia offer long-term contracts, providing workers with consistent income over several years. This stability is attractive for individuals seeking steady employment abroad.
Malaysia shares cultural and linguistic similarities with many of the countries where domestic workers originate. This makes adaptation easier and reduces the communication barriers that may exist in other foreign labor destinations.
In most cases, employers provide food, lodging, and basic necessities. While conditions vary, these benefits reduce living expenses and allow workers to save a larger portion of their income.
Creative domestic workers can contribute to child development through storytelling, arts and crafts, music, and interactive learning activities. This adds value beyond basic supervision, making them highly sought after by families who prioritize early education.
International candidates who approach routine tasks with efficiency and innovation—such as organizing storage creatively, planning balanced meal menus, or using time-saving cleaning techniques—can greatly improve a household’s daily operations.
Many households in Malaysia appreciate exposure to global cuisines. Candidates who can cook creatively and introduce international dishes can enrich the family’s dining experience, especially in urban or expatriate communities.
Some domestic workers support families with hosting events or special occasions. Creative workers with an eye for decoration, presentation, and coordination can enhance celebrations and contribute meaningfully beyond their standard roles.
Creative thinking aids in cross-cultural communication and problem-solving. International candidates who creatively navigate language or cultural differences can build stronger, more respectful relationships with their employers.
Creativity plays a role in providing compassionate, engaging care to the elderly or those with disabilities—through tailored routines, gentle entertainment, or therapeutic activities that go beyond basic care duties.
In more tech-savvy households, domestic workers who creatively use technology—for scheduling, grocery management, or even virtual learning for children—stand out as modern and versatile helpers.
A full-time worker who lives in the employer’s home and assists with daily household chores such as cleaning, laundry, cooking, and sometimes childcare or elderly care.
Focused primarily on maintaining cleanliness and organization in the home. Responsibilities often include deep cleaning, laundry, ironing, and general upkeep, but not necessarily cooking or caregiving.
Specializes in caring for children, including feeding, bathing, supervising playtime, helping with homework, and sometimes managing school pickups and drop-offs.
Provides assistance to elderly individuals, including help with mobility, hygiene, medication management, meal preparation, and emotional support. May also accompany them to medical appointments.
Responsible for preparing daily meals for the household. May plan menus, do grocery shopping, and cater to dietary needs or preferences. Some employers prefer workers with experience in specific cuisines.
Though not always classified as a domestic worker, some households hire full-time drivers to transport family members, especially children and the elderly, to school, work, or appointments.
Manages the household’s outdoor spaces, including lawn care, plant maintenance, landscaping, and outdoor cleaning. Some workers combine gardening with other duties like handyman tasks.
Handles a combination of tasks such as cleaning, cooking, laundry, and basic caregiving. This is the most common type of domestic worker in Malaysian households, especially in smaller homes.
Works on an hourly or daily basis, usually for multiple employers. Handles tasks like cleaning or ironing, without living in the employer’s home.
In higher-income households, some domestic workers act as informal household managers or personal assistants—scheduling tasks, managing other workers, and overseeing daily operations.
No. |
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary (MYR) |
Avg. Salary (USD) |
Avg. Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Live-In Domestic Helper |
1,200 |
252 |
21,600 |
|
2 |
Housekeeper |
1,500 |
315 |
27,000 |
|
3 |
Nanny / Childcare Worker |
1,800 |
378 |
32,400 |
|
4 |
Elderly Caregiver |
2,000 |
420 |
36,000 |
|
5 |
Cook / Household Chef |
2,200 |
462 |
39,600 |
|
6 |
Driver / Chauffeur |
2,500 |
525 |
45,000 |
|
7 |
Gardener |
1,300 |
273 |
23,400 |
|
8 |
General Domestic Worker |
1,600 |
336 |
28,800 |
|
9 |
Part-Time Domestic Worker |
1,000 |
210 |
18,000 |
|
10 |
Laundry and Ironing Assistant |
1,200 |
252 |
21,600 |
|
11 |
Cleaner (Professional) |
1,500 |
315 |
27,000 |
|
12 |
Babysitter (Non-Live-In) |
1,400 |
294 |
25,200 |
|
13 |
House Manager / Senior Helper |
2,800 |
588 |
50,400 |
|
14 |
Pet Care / Dog Walker |
1,300 |
273 |
23,400 |
|
15 |
Personal Cook |
2,400 |
504 |
43,200 |
|
16 |
Kitchen Helper |
1,300 |
273 |
23,400 |
|
17 |
Maid for Large Household |
2,000 |
420 |
36,000 |
|
18 |
Butler / House Steward |
3,000 |
630 |
54,000 |
|
19 |
Elder Companion (Non-Medical) |
1,900 |
399 |
34,200 |
|
20 |
All-Rounder with Multitasking |
2,200 |
462 |
39,600 |
Category |
Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
|
Nationality |
Citizens of approved countries (e.g., Indonesia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, India, etc.) |
|
Age Limit |
Typically between 21 to 45 years (varies slightly by country and agency) |
|
Gender |
Predominantly female workers preferred; some roles may allow male candidates |
|
Educational Qualification |
Basic education (primary or secondary school) is sufficient; literacy is preferred |
|
Work Experience |
1–2 years of relevant domestic work experience is usually required |
|
Health Requirements |
Must pass medical examinations in home country and in Malaysia |
|
Language Skills |
Basic understanding of Malay or English is preferred |
|
Employment Contract |
Must sign a valid employment contract approved by the Malaysian government |
|
Work Permit / Visa |
Must obtain a Domestic Helper Visa (PLKS) through employer sponsorship |
|
Recruitment Through Agency |
Must go through a licensed recruitment agency recognized by both governments |
|
Training Certificate |
Completion of pre-departure training programs or certification may be required |
|
No Criminal Record |
Must provide a clear police clearance certificate from home country |
|
Passport Validity |
Passport must be valid for at least 2 years from the date of application |
|
Financial Status |
Should not have outstanding debts or legal issues in home country |
|
Accommodation Provided |
Employer must provide suitable lodging and basic necessities |
|
Employment Duration |
Typically 2-year renewable contracts with the same or new employer |
No. |
Job Profile |
General Roles and Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Live-In Domestic Helper |
General house cleaning, cooking, laundry, childcare, and occasional errands |
|
2 |
Housekeeper |
Deep cleaning, organizing, managing household supplies, ironing, and maintenance |
|
3 |
Nanny / Childcare Worker |
Child supervision, feeding, bathing, playtime, homework assistance, and school routines |
|
4 |
Elderly Caregiver |
Assisting with mobility, hygiene, medication, meals, and companionship |
|
5 |
Cook / Household Chef |
Preparing meals, grocery shopping, kitchen hygiene, and menu planning |
|
6 |
Driver / Chauffeur |
Transporting employer/family, maintaining the vehicle, running errands |
|
7 |
Gardener |
Lawn care, watering, trimming, planting, outdoor cleaning, and basic landscaping |
|
8 |
General Domestic Worker |
Cleaning, washing, cooking, minor childcare, and elder assistance |
|
9 |
Part-Time Domestic Worker |
Specific tasks like cleaning, ironing, or kitchen work on a short-term or rotational basis |
|
10 |
Laundry and Ironing Assistant |
Washing, drying, folding, ironing, and managing clothes and linens |
|
11 |
Cleaner (Professional) |
Detailed cleaning of homes, sometimes working for cleaning agencies |
|
12 |
Babysitter (Non-Live-In) |
Watching over children part-time, feeding, playing, and bedtime care |
|
13 |
House Manager / Senior Helper |
Supervising other workers, scheduling, managing household operations, budget handling |
|
14 |
Pet Care / Dog Walker |
Feeding pets, grooming, walking dogs, cleaning cages or litter areas |
|
15 |
Personal Cook |
Preparing customized meals, handling special dietary needs, and ensuring hygiene |
|
16 |
Kitchen Helper |
Assisting in food prep, cleaning dishes, and organizing kitchen items |
|
17 |
Maid for Large Household |
Managing multi-room cleaning, laundry, kitchen support, and occasional event help |
|
18 |
Butler / House Steward |
Formal serving, guest handling, wardrobe care, coordinating with other staff |
|
19 |
Elder Companion (Non-Medical) |
Providing company, light assistance, reading, talking, and leisure activities |
|
20 |
All-Rounder with Multitasking |
Performing a mix of cleaning, cooking, laundry, childcare, and basic errands |
No. |
Job Profile |
Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Live-In Domestic Helper |
Basic education, female, age 21–45, physically fit, willing to live with employer |
|
2 |
Housekeeper |
Prior cleaning experience preferred, basic literacy, attention to detail |
|
3 |
Nanny / Childcare Worker |
Experience with children, patient, basic education, ability to communicate in Malay or English |
|
4 |
Elderly Caregiver |
Experience with elderly care, physically capable, knowledge of hygiene practices |
|
5 |
Cook / Household Chef |
Experience in cooking, basic knowledge of Malaysian or international cuisines, hygienic practices |
|
6 |
Driver / Chauffeur |
Valid driving license, clean driving record, familiarity with local roads |
|
7 |
Gardener |
Basic gardening knowledge, physical strength, experience with outdoor tasks |
|
8 |
General Domestic Worker |
No formal education required, multi-tasking ability, flexible, basic training preferred |
|
9 |
Part-Time Domestic Worker |
Legal work permit (if foreign), skill in selected area (cleaning/laundry), time flexibility |
|
10 |
Laundry and Ironing Assistant |
Attention to fabric care, experience with washing/ironing, basic literacy |
|
11 |
Cleaner (Professional) |
Prior experience in housekeeping or cleaning, physical stamina, training certification (optional) |
|
12 |
Babysitter (Non-Live-In) |
Basic childcare experience, trustworthiness, availability during non-standard hours |
|
13 |
House Manager / Senior Helper |
Strong experience, leadership skills, organizational ability, basic written communication |
|
14 |
Pet Care / Dog Walker |
Comfort around animals, knowledge of pet behavior, physical fitness |
|
15 |
Personal Cook |
Proven cooking skills, specialization in specific diets or cuisines, food safety awareness |
|
16 |
Kitchen Helper |
Basic food prep experience, hygiene awareness, ability to follow instructions |
|
17 |
Maid for Large Household |
Multi-tasking experience, good physical condition, able to follow a routine |
|
18 |
Butler / House Steward |
Formal service background, good communication, polished demeanor, high trustworthiness |
|
19 |
Elder Companion (Non-Medical) |
Empathy, patience, good communication, basic understanding of elderly needs |
|
20 |
All-Rounder with Multitasking |
Experience in various household tasks, adaptability, time management skills |
No. |
Job Profile |
Required Experience |
Type of Experience |
Training Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Live-In Domestic Helper |
1–2 years |
General household duties |
Preferred |
|
2 |
Housekeeper |
1–3 years |
Cleaning, organizing, household maintenance |
Optional |
|
3 |
Nanny / Childcare Worker |
2+ years |
Childcare, feeding, play supervision |
Recommended |
|
4 |
Elderly Caregiver |
2–3 years |
Elder care, hygiene, mobility assistance |
Strongly recommended |
|
5 |
Cook / Household Chef |
2–5 years |
Cooking, meal planning, kitchen safety |
Preferred |
|
6 |
Driver / Chauffeur |
3+ years |
Driving, road safety, car maintenance |
Required (license) |
|
7 |
Gardener |
1–2 years |
Landscaping, plant care, use of tools |
Optional |
|
8 |
General Domestic Worker |
1–2 years |
Basic multi-tasking: cleaning, cooking, laundry |
Preferred |
|
9 |
Part-Time Domestic Worker |
1+ year |
Specialized skill (e.g., cleaning or laundry) |
Optional |
|
10 |
Laundry and Ironing Assistant |
1 year |
Fabric care, ironing, stain treatment |
Optional |
|
11 |
Cleaner (Professional) |
1–3 years |
Residential or hotel cleaning |
Optional certification |
|
12 |
Babysitter (Non-Live-In) |
1–2 years |
Child supervision, basic care |
Recommended |
|
13 |
House Manager / Senior Helper |
3–5 years |
Leadership, supervision, task scheduling |
Strongly preferred |
|
14 |
Pet Care / Dog Walker |
1 year |
Handling pets, basic animal care |
Optional |
|
15 |
Personal Cook |
3–5 years |
Advanced cooking, dietary preferences |
Culinary training preferred |
|
16 |
Kitchen Helper |
1 year |
Chopping, food prep, cleaning |
Optional |
|
17 |
Maid for Large Household |
2–3 years |
Multi-room cleaning, teamwork |
Preferred |
|
18 |
Butler / House Steward |
5+ years |
Formal service, hosting, wardrobe management |
Professional training |
|
19 |
Elder Companion (Non-Medical) |
1–2 years |
Companionship, light assistance |
Recommended |
|
20 |
All-Rounder with Multitasking |
2–4 years |
General housekeeping, childcare, cooking |
Strongly preferred |
No. |
Company / Agency Name |
Location |
Type |
Key Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Agensi Pekerjaan Sinar Jernih Sdn Bhd |
Kuala Lumpur |
Licensed Recruitment Agency |
Hiring live-in maids, caregivers, and general helpers |
|
2 |
Best Home Employment Agency |
Johor Bahru |
Domestic Worker Agency |
Placement of Indonesian and Filipino helpers |
|
3 |
Agensi Pekerjaan Ria Services Sdn Bhd |
Petaling Jaya |
Employment Agency |
Full-time domestic worker recruitment and training |
|
4 |
Ayra Home Management Services |
Kuala Lumpur |
Maid and Domestic Services |
Nanny, maid, elderly care, and household staffing |
|
5 |
Nation Maid Agency |
Penang |
Licensed Maid Agency |
Indonesian and Filipino domestic helpers |
|
6 |
Agensi Pekerjaan Cempaka Sdn Bhd |
Kuala Lumpur |
Maid Recruitment Agency |
Live-in maids, elderly carers, and household cooks |
|
7 |
Agensi Pekerjaan A & A Associates |
Klang Valley |
Foreign Worker Recruitment |
Specializes in household and elderly care workers |
|
8 |
Global Ace Maid Agency |
Johor Bahru |
Domestic Staffing Agency |
Household maids, babysitters, cooks |
|
9 |
Agensi Pekerjaan Kayu Ara Sdn Bhd |
Selangor |
Professional Maid Agency |
Full-time helpers and housekeepers |
|
10 |
Agensi Pekerjaan The Specialist Sdn Bhd |
Kuala Lumpur |
Recruitment & Training Agency |
Trained Filipino and Indonesian domestic workers |
|
11 |
InterGreat Employment Services |
Kuala Lumpur |
Foreign Worker Placement |
Live-in nannies, elderly care, and domestic support |
|
12 |
Agensi Pekerjaan Mawar Sdn Bhd |
Melaka |
Maid and Cleaning Services |
Part-time and full-time domestic help |
|
13 |
E-Home Maid Services |
Subang Jaya |
Domestic Worker Provider |
Placement of trained domestic workers from Indonesia |
|
14 |
Agensi Pekerjaan Ideal |
Kuala Lumpur |
Licensed Recruitment Agency |
Household staff, including housekeepers and drivers |
|
15 |
Bright Maid Agency |
Penang |
Professional Maid Services |
Specializes in live-in and part-time maids |
|
16 |
Unity Manpower Agency |
Selangor |
Foreign Worker Agency |
Domestic helpers, elderly care staff, and cooks |
|
17 |
Reliable Maids (Malaysia) |
Kuala Lumpur |
Household Staffing Agency |
Recruitment of trained domestic workers from multiple countries |
|
18 |
SmartHelper Malaysia |
Online / Nationwide |
Online Matching Platform |
Digital hiring of part-time and full-time domestic workers |
|
19 |
Agensi Pekerjaan Jasa Tenaga Sdn Bhd |
Kuala Lumpur |
Maid and Foreign Worker Agency |
All-rounders, cleaners, and caretakers |
|
20 |
Topmaid Employment Agency |
Johor Bahru |
Domestic Helper Agency |
Full domestic placement, including legal processing |
No. |
Job Profile |
Avg. Salary/Month (MYR) |
Job Requirements |
Top Hiring Companies |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Live-In Domestic Helper |
1,200 – 1,600 |
Age 21–45, female, basic education, healthy, willing to live-in |
Sinar Jernih, Ria Services, Nation Maid |
Cleaning, laundry, cooking, child/elder care, errands |
|
2 |
Housekeeper |
1,500 – 2,000 |
Cleaning experience, attention to detail, basic literacy |
Ayra Home, Kayu Ara Agency, Ideal |
Full house cleaning, organizing, ironing, basic maintenance |
|
3 |
Nanny / Childcare Worker |
1,800 – 2,400 |
2+ years with children, patient, communicative |
Global Ace, Ria Services, SmartHelper |
Supervise children, play, feed, homework help, school routine |
|
4 |
Elderly Caregiver |
2,000 – 2,800 |
2–3 years experience, patient, physically fit |
A&A Associates, InterGreat, Unity Manpower |
Assist with hygiene, meals, medication, mobility, companionship |
|
5 |
Cook / Household Chef |
2,200 – 3,000 |
Cooking skills, hygiene knowledge, experience in local/international cuisine |
Topmaid, E-Home, Cempaka Agency |
Meal planning, grocery shopping, preparing meals, kitchen management |
|
6 |
Driver / Chauffeur |
2,500 – 3,500 |
Valid license, clean record, local route knowledge |
Jasa Tenaga, Ideal, Unity Manpower |
Drive employer/family, maintain vehicle, run errands |
|
7 |
Gardener |
1,300 – 1,800 |
Basic gardening knowledge, physically capable |
Nation Maid, Kayu Ara, Sinar Jernih |
Maintain garden, watering, trimming, landscaping |
|
8 |
General Domestic Worker |
1,600 – 2,000 |
Basic experience, multi-tasking, flexible |
Sinar Jernih, Best Home, Bright Maid |
Cleaning, cooking, laundry, some childcare/eldercare |
|
9 |
Part-Time Domestic Worker |
1,000 – 1,500 |
Skill in selected task (cleaning/laundry), permit required |
SmartHelper, Reliable Maids, Ayra Home |
Task-specific cleaning, laundry, or kitchen support |
|
10 |
Laundry & Ironing Assistant |
1,200 – 1,600 |
Laundry skills, basic literacy, attention to fabric care |
Ria Services, Global Ace, Mawar Services |
Wash, dry, iron, fold, and manage linens |
|
11 |
Cleaner (Professional) |
1,500 – 2,000 |
Experience in home/hotel cleaning, physical stamina |
SmartHelper, Reliable Maids, Sinar Jernih |
Deep cleaning of rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens |
|
12 |
Babysitter (Non-Live-In) |
1,400 – 2,000 |
Experience with young children, local availability |
Bright Maid, Best Home, Unity Manpower |
Supervise child temporarily, feeding, playing, bedtime care |
|
13 |
House Manager / Senior Helper |
2,800 – 3,500 |
5+ years experience, leadership, good communication |
InterGreat, Ideal, The Specialist |
Manage household, schedule tasks, supervise other staff |
|
14 |
Pet Care / Dog Walker |
1,300 – 1,800 |
Comfortable with animals, reliable, physically fit |
SmartHelper, Nation Maid, Cempaka |
Feed, walk, groom pets, clean cages or litter boxes |
|
15 |
Personal Cook |
2,400 – 3,000 |
Formal cooking experience, hygiene awareness |
Topmaid, E-Home, The Specialist |
Customized meals, special diets, kitchen inventory |
|
16 |
Kitchen Helper |
1,300 – 1,700 |
Basic food prep skills, hygiene practices |
Ria Services, Ideal, Global Ace |
Chop, prep ingredients, clean kitchen, assist main cook |
|
17 |
Maid for Large Household |
2,000 – 2,800 |
Experience in large homes, teamwork skills |
Ayra Home, Reliable Maids, Cempaka |
Maintain multiple rooms, team coordination, assist with events |
|
18 |
Butler / House Steward |
3,000 – 4,000 |
5+ years in formal service, hospitality skills |
InterGreat, The Specialist, Unity Manpower |
Formal serving, wardrobe care, guest management |
|
19 |
Elder Companion (Non-Medical) |
1,900 – 2,500 |
Patient, friendly, basic care knowledge |
A&A Associates, Unity Manpower, Ria Services |
Provide companionship, assist with light tasks, accompany on outings |
|
20 |
All-Rounder with Multitasking |
2,200 – 3,000 |
2–4 years varied domestic work, good time management |
Sinar Jernih, Best Home, Bright Maid |
Cleaning, cooking, minor childcare and elderly care, errands |
No. |
Visa Type |
Eligibility |
Validity |
Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Pas Lawatan Kerja Sementara (PLKS) |
Foreign domestic workers from approved countries (e.g., Indonesia, Philippines, Sri Lanka) |
1 year (renewable up to 10 years) |
Job offer from Malaysian employer, approved by Immigration Department, medical check, security bond |
|
2 |
Special Pass |
Foreigners in Malaysia applying for PLKS extension or waiting for visa processing |
30–90 days (non-renewable) |
Temporary permit during visa transition or legal issue resolution |
|
3 |
Employment Pass (Not Common) |
Generally not used for domestic workers, more for professionals |
1–5 years |
N/A for household jobs (included for clarification) |
|
4 |
Professional Visit Pass (PVP) |
Not applicable to domestic work (short-term specialized work only) |
Up to 12 months |
Not suitable for household/domestic work |
|
5 |
Transit or Social Visit Pass |
For workers entering temporarily before PLKS activation |
Up to 30 days |
Must be converted to PLKS within valid time |