Malaysia’s RM1,700 Minimum Salary Not Applicable to Live-In Helpers in Malaysia – What It Means for Employers and Domestic Helpers > 자유게시판

As of 2024, the Malaysian regulations established a new minimum wage of RM1,700 for private-sector workers. However, this is not extended to live-in helpers, such as housekeepers, gardeners, nannies, and private drivers.

This omission has raised concerns about worker rights, particularly for those hired through authorized firms including Agensi Pekerjaan Havannah Sdn Bhd.

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### Understanding Who Falls Under Domestic Work

According to Malaysian labor law, domestic helpers refer to those tasked with maintaining a private residence, such as:

- Live-in helpers
- Gardeners
- Elderly care aides
- Personal chauffeurs
- Cooks in private homes

These roles are excluded from Malaysia's minimum wage regulations.

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### Reasons for Exclusion

The main reason for the exemption is the nature of domestic work, which often includes:

- Non-standard working schedules
- Free lodging and meals
- Live-in arrangements

Because of this, the Malaysian government believe it is difficult to apply a fixed minimum wage to this group.

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### What Employers Should Know

If you are considering hiring a domestic helper, here’s what this means for you:

1. **Not Bound by the RM1,700 Rule**
You don’t have a legal obligation pay RM1,700 to your domestic worker.

2. **Flexible Salary Negotiation**
Wages can be discussed depending on the worker’s nationality, experience, and duties.

3. **Other Legal Responsibilities Still Apply**
This includes:
- Providing decent conditions
- Allowing proper rest
- Avoiding abuse or overwork

Working with a licensed maid recruitment agency like Agensi Pekerjaan Havannah Sdn Bhd can help ensure you follow all regulations.

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### What It Means for Domestic Helpers

For domestic workers:

1. **Salaries Can Be Lower**
Many receive between RM1,000–RM1,500.

2. **Greater Risk of Exploitation**
Especially if no formal contract exists or if they are hired informally.

3. **Source Countries Provide Guidelines**
For example:
- Filipino helpers have a USD 400 salary minimum
- Indonesia enforces certain standards

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### Future Developments

There are increasing calls for the government to:

- Include domestic workers in wage laws
- Professionalize domestic work
- Close the loophole that allows underpayment

Agensi Pekerjaan Havannah Sdn Bhd encourages ethical hiring, ensuring both employer and employee rights are fairly managed.

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### Summary

While the RM1,700 minimum wage applies to most sectors, domestic helpers still fall outside its scope. This puts the onus for employers to act ethically.

Working with agencies like Agensi Pekerjaan Havannah Sdn Bhd helps protect everyone involved.