Domestic Helper Guide for Sarawak Employers

Hiring a foreign domestic helper — commonly known as a maid or PRA (Pembantu Rumah Asing) — is a common solution for families in Sarawak who need help with childcare, elderly care, or household management. Here is what you need to know about the process.

Who Can Hire a Domestic Helper?

To hire a foreign domestic helper in Sarawak, you must be a Malaysian citizen residing in Sarawak. The application must be supported by a valid reason, such as:

• Childcare — you have young children who need supervision while you work
• Elderly care — ageing parents or family members who need daily assistance
• Caring for a sick or disabled family member — supported by a doctor's letter
• Household management — general domestic duties for the family home

You will need to provide proof of the reason for hiring (for example, children's birth certificates, or a medical letter for a sick dependent).

Eligibility Requirements for the Helper

The foreign domestic helper must meet these conditions:

• Aged between 21 and 45 years at the time of application
• Healthy and free from infectious diseases (including HIV/AIDS, malaria, hepatitis, and STDs)
• Not pregnant at the time of application
• Hold a valid passport with at least 18 months remaining validity
• Pass a medical examination both in the home country and upon arrival in Sarawak through SAFHIS (Sarawak Foreigners Health Information System)

Ongoing health check-ups are required every two years if the helper continues working for you.

Common Source Countries

The most popular source countries for domestic helpers in Sarawak are Indonesia and the Philippines. Each has its own characteristics — language familiarity, cultural compatibility, and availability may vary. Your employment agency can help you decide which option best suits your family's needs.

Documents You Will Need

Employer Documents

• Copy of your identity card (MyKad)
• Marriage registration certificate
• Proof of income — latest 3 months salary statements, income tax records (E-Filing) for the last 2 years, and recent bank statements
• Passport-size photographs of you and your spouse
• Employment confirmation or, if self-employed, business registration documents (Form 1, 9, 24, 49)
• Birth certificates and identity cards of dependents
• Doctor's letter if hiring for a sick or disabled dependent

Helper Documents

• Valid passport (minimum 18 months remaining)
• Health report from the country of origin (from an MOH-recognised clinic)
• Comprehensive medical examination results (blood tests, urine tests, X-ray)
• Specialist health report (fit/unfit assessment)
• Passport-size photographs
• Health insurance coverage
• Maid protection insurance

The Application Process

The general process for hiring a domestic helper follows these steps:

Insurance and Statutory Contributions

Employers must arrange the following for their domestic helper:

• PERKESO / SOCSO — Social security registration is mandatory, covering workplace injuries and invalidity
• Health insurance — SPIKPA or equivalent coverage for hospitalisation and medical treatment
• Maid protection insurance — Additional coverage specific to domestic helper placements
• Security bond — A bank guarantee or deposit is required as part of the immigration process. The amount varies by the helper's nationality

Note: Domestic helpers are exempt from KWSP (EPF) contributions. The mandatory provident fund requirement does not apply to domestic servants.

Important Rules to Know

• The work pass is issued to a specific employer and address — it cannot be transferred to another household
• If the helper leaves your employment, you must report it to the Immigration Department
• The helper must maintain good behaviour and adhere to local customs
• Marriage to a local citizen is not permitted during the employment period — the pass will be cancelled
• If hiring a Muslim helper, additional declarations (Appendix A and B) may be required
• For helpers from countries other than Indonesia, additional documentation is needed

Your Responsibilities as an Employer

As a domestic helper employer, you are responsible for:

• Providing suitable accommodation within your home
• Ensuring the helper has a proper employment contract
• Maintaining valid health insurance and protection coverage
• Ensuring timely renewal of passes and permits
• Reporting any issues (abscondment, termination) to the authorities promptly
• Treating the helper fairly and in accordance with the law