For entrepreneurs in Malaysia – whether you are a micro business owner, SME founder, or part of the T20 high-income group – running a business and managing a household can be stressful. Many choose to hire a maid to help manage house chores, care for children, or look after elderly parents. But the big question is: should you hire a foreign maid or a local maid?
This article will compare both options based on costs, skills, trust, legal process, and practical issues like communication and culture. We’ll also share the latest data about maids in Malaysia and give recommendations for entrepreneurs at different stages.
Cost of Hiring
Foreign Maids
Hiring a foreign maid usually comes with higher upfront costs. The total agency fee and government fees can reach RM15,000 for one maid, including processing, permit, medical check-up, flight ticket, and insurance. Monthly salary starts around RM1,500 for Indonesian maids and about RM1,800 for Filipina maids. In 2025, many experienced maids are paid RM1,800–RM2,000 per month due to high demand.
Local Maids
Hiring a local maid is usually cheaper. There is no immigration permit or levy required. Agency fees are much lower – around RM3,000–RM4,000 – and you only pay the maid’s salary. Many local maids earn around RM1,500 per month (same as the minimum wage), and sometimes even less for part-time work. You also save money on annual renewals or flight tickets.
Summary: If your budget is tight, a local maid is more cost-effective. If you want a full-time, live-in helper and can afford the fees, a foreign maid may be the better investment.
Skills and Training
Foreign maids usually receive formal training in their home country before coming to Malaysia. For example, Indonesian maids must complete two months of training covering cleaning, cooking, childcare, and elderly care. Many Filipina maids also speak good English, which is helpful for professional households.
Local maids may not always have formal training, but some agencies provide basic training before sending them to work. Their advantage is cultural knowledge – they already understand Malaysian lifestyle, food, and language, so they can adjust faster.
REQUEST ASSISTANCE FROM IMI TALENT
Trust and Loyalty
This is one of the biggest concerns for employers.
Foreign maids are under a work permit, so they usually complete their two-year contract before going home. If treated well, many stay longer and become like part of the family. However, there is still a risk of them running away if they find a better offer.
Local maids are easier to background-check and communicate with, but since they are not bound by immigration contracts, they can leave anytime if they find a better job. To keep them loyal, it’s important to offer fair pay and a good working environment.
Legal Process
Foreign Maids:
Hiring a foreign maid requires going through an agency and following immigration rules. Employers must meet minimum household income (around RM7,000 or more), apply for a Visa with Reference (VDR), buy insurance, and pay a yearly levy. The maid must go through a medical check (FOMEMA) and get a work permit (PLKS). This process can take 2–3 months.
Local Maids:
Hiring a local maid is simple – no permit or government approval needed. You can hire directly or through a local agency. It is recommended to have a simple employment contract to agree on salary, duties, and leave days.
Communication, Culture & Daily Work
- Communication: Most foreign maids are from Indonesia, so they speak Bahasa Indonesia, which is very similar to Bahasa Melayu. Filipina maids often speak English. Local maids face no language barrier at all.
- Culture: Foreign maids need time to adjust to Malaysian culture, food, and house rules. Local maids already understand local customs and religious practices.
- Work Schedule: Foreign maids usually live in (stay in your house) and can work more flexible hours. Local maids often work 8 hours a day and go home at night, unless you hire a live-in local helper.
Market Data
Malaysia still depends heavily on foreign maids. As of late 2024, there are over 100,000 registered foreign maids, with more than 60,000 from Indonesia. Demand is high, and agencies estimate Malaysia needs at least 150,000 maids to meet employer demand.
Local maids are harder to find because many Malaysians prefer other jobs with higher pay. This is why many entrepreneurs still choose foreign maids despite the higher cost.
Recommendations
- Micro Entrepreneurs: Start with a part-time local maid or cleaning service to save cost. You can upgrade to a live-in maid later if needed.
- SME Owners: If your household is busy and you have kids or elderly parents, a foreign maid can give you peace of mind and free up your time.
- T20 & High-Income Professionals: Consider hiring an experienced foreign maid (Indonesian or Filipina) for full-time live-in help. If you prefer privacy, combine a part-time cleaning service with a local nanny or caregiver.
Conclusion
Both foreign maids and local maids have their pros and cons.
- Foreign maids offer full-time, live-in support and are ideal for busy entrepreneurs who need 24/7 household help.
- Local maids are cheaper, easier to hire, and more culturally compatible – perfect for employers who need flexible or part-time help.
Whatever your choice, treat your maid fairly and with respect. A happy maid means a smoother household and more focus for you to grow your business.
